The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) is bracing itself for increased fallout as senior personnel who have managed the social media activities of the party have come under police scanner. Several persons, who had created unlawful content on the Internet, have already been arrested and others had summons. The arrests have sparked criticism, with top brass leaders of the party, including Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, also entering the fray.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has indicated that any posts attacking the women-whether YSRCP members or others—will not be tolerated in the state. In this connection, a case has been filed against Sajjala Bhargav Reddy, formerly head of the social media wing of YSRCP.
The police have been taking serious action against YSRCP supporters for offensive social media posts, with several arrests made in connection to defamatory comments, offensive language, and image manipulation. Among those under legal scrutiny is Sajjala Bhargav Reddy, who is now facing an SC/ST case in Pulivendula, Kadapa district.
The case stems from a complaint filed by Hari, a Dalit resident of Simhadripuram Mandal in YSR district, who alleges that he was subjected to caste-based insults after raising concerns about social media posts. Bhargav Reddy, along with two others, is facing non-bailable charges.
The situation is becoming increasingly tense, with the government taking a firm stance by filing multiple cases against YSRCP supporters, including Varra Ravinder Reddy. Varra, who has been an active social media figure for the past five years, is known for his posts targeting leaders of the TDP. There have been reports suggesting that Varra is in police custody, although official confirmation is still pending.
The growing number of arrests and legal actions has sparked a political firestorm, with the YSRCP accusing the government of bias in handling these cases. At the same time, the TDP and Jana Sena are also facing scrutiny over their own social media posts. The situation is becoming increasingly heated, with political parties calling for police action against their opponents, further fueling the controversy.
