AB Venkateswara Rao Shares Centre for Liberty Statement
Former IPS officer AB Venkateswara Rao has strongly criticized the arrest of YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) spokesperson Nagarjuna Yadav. Sharing a statement issued by the Centre for Liberty on his social media account, Rao expressed serious concern over the action taken against the YSRCP leader.
Arrest Over “Delivery Boy” Remark
According to the Centre for Liberty’s statement, Nagarjuna Yadav was arrested by the Telangana Police over remarks he made during a television debate nearly two years ago, in which he referred to Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy as a “delivery boy.”
The organization stated that while such comments in political discourse may be considered discourteous and can certainly invite criticism, arresting an individual solely for such remarks goes against the spirit of democracy and freedom of expression.
Concerns Over Serious Charges in FIR
The statement further noted that the case was registered based on a complaint filed by a Telangana Congress social media state secretary. It alleged that although the FIR did not mention any specific incidents of riots, breach of peace, or communal clashes resulting from the remarks, the police invoked multiple sections related to rioting, public disorder, breach of peace, and promoting enmity.
It also expressed concern that the investigation could extend to the television anchor, the news channel management, and even the administrators of the Facebook page that carried the discussion.
“Words Should Be Answered With Words, Not Handcuffs”
The Centre for Liberty asserted that “Words should be answered with words, not handcuffs.” It urged the Telangana government to immediately release Nagarjuna Yadav, withdraw the criminal proceedings against him, and ensure that no coercive action is taken against journalists or media platforms associated with the televised debate.
AB’s Stand Sparks Political Debate
AB Venkateswara Rao has been a vocal critic of what he describes as the misuse of laws by the Andhra Pradesh government in recent months. His latest criticism of the Telangana Congress government has now become a subject of political discussion.
Political observers point out that Rao is often perceived as being sympathetic to the Telugu Desam Party (TDP). However, his decision to publicly criticize the Telangana Congress government as well on the issue of alleged misuse of legal provisions has drawn attention, with many viewing it as a consistent stand against the abuse of law regardless of the ruling party.
