Government Plans Special Social Media Task Force
The political battle on social media in Andhra Pradesh has taken a new turn. The NDA coalition government is preparing to establish a Special Social Media Task Force to curb obscene trolling of women and the circulation of morphed videos online. However, opposition parties have alleged that the real objective of the task force is not to protect victims of online abuse but to suppress the voices of YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) leaders, supporters, activists, and ordinary citizens who question the government.
TDP Social Media Activities Trigger Fresh Controversy
Amid these developments, a fresh controversy has erupted over the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and its social media campaigns.
A video released by Ravinuthala Sunil, a junior artist known for imitating former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, has become the center of political discussion. In the video, Sunil stated that he is merely an actor and has no role in the scriptwriting, direction, production, or morphing of the videos. He claimed that he was paid by others to perform in the videos, raising fresh questions about who is actually behind the content.
Use of Y.S. Bharathi Reddy’s Images Draws Criticism
Criticism has intensified over the alleged use of morphed images of Y.S. Bharathi Reddy, who is not directly involved in active politics.
Political observers argue that instead of engaging in issue-based political debate, creating content aimed at character assassination through morphed visuals is a dangerous trend that undermines democratic values. They warn that such campaigns shift public discourse away from governance and policy toward personal attacks.
Allegations of Organized Digital Propaganda
Critics claim that such campaigns are not new.
They point to earlier allegations that a junior artist named Shekhar Chowdary was made to portray a farmer in videos used to target political opponents. According to critics, similar methods are now being employed through skits, morphed videos, and coordinated social media campaigns to spread propaganda against rival political leaders.
Questions Over Selective Action
The opposition has questioned why the government is taking strict action against social media posts critical of the ruling party while allegedly ignoring content created by pro-government social media networks.
Critics have also referred to previous incidents in which Geethanjali from Tenali, young Vedika Reddy, and students of Bendapudi Government School reportedly became targets of online trolling. They argue that if the government is serious about eliminating abusive online content, action should be taken uniformly, irrespective of political affiliation.
Experts Call for Political Neutrality
Political analysts and public intellectuals have cautioned that the organized use of digital propaganda for political gain is inconsistent with democratic principles.
They argue that the proposed Social Media Task Force can gain public trust only if it functions transparently and applies the law equally to everyone, regardless of political affiliation. They also say authorities should investigate who is behind the videos involving Ravinuthala Sunil and take legal action if any violations of the law are established.
Demand for Fair and Transparent Enforcement
As the controversy grows, many citizens are calling for the proposed task force to remain politically neutral and enforce the law without bias. They believe that protecting individuals from online abuse should be the priority, while ensuring that freedom of expression and democratic values are not compromised.
