In a move that is already drawing heavy criticism, former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy is scheduled to visit Tenali on June 3, 2025, to meet and console the family of John Victor, a key accused in the recent ganja smuggling and drug-related violence case.
Jagan will begin his journey from his Tadepalli residence at 9:30 AM, reaching Tenali by 11:15 AM, where he is expected to visit the homes of individuals with criminal backgrounds allegedly involved in narcotics offenses. He will return to Tadepalli by 2:30 PM, after spending time with those linked to this controversial case.
This visit is being widely condemned as an attempt to politicize and humanize criminal elements, particularly at a time when law enforcement is cracking down on drug trafficking and organized crime in the state.
Andhra Pradesh Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha, responding to Jagan’s planned visit, has publicly objected:
“These are not innocent citizens but individuals involved in criminal drug rackets and violence against the police. What message does it send when a former CM chooses to sympathize with them instead of supporting justice?”
The visit is already being perceived as a direct challenge to the police force and a move that could demoralize law enforcement personnel, who recently faced resistance while apprehending these suspects. Jagan’s support, critics say, undermines the judiciary and emboldens criminal behavior under a veil of political compassion.
Observers and political analysts suggest that this could be a desperate stunt to regain political mileage at the cost of glorifying accused drug offenders. With Andhra Pradesh battling increasing youth drug abuse and public demand for stringent action, Jagan’s move is expected to backfire both morally and politically.
As the former CM prepares to turn a criminal hotspot into a campaign stop, many are asking:
Is this politics of empathy or politics of enabling crime?
