SAAP Chairman Criticizes YSRCP and Sakshi Media for Alleged Misinformation Campaign

In a scathing critique of the opposition, Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh (SAAP) Chairman Ravi Naidu has accused the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) of spreading false information about the recent Kurnool bus tragedy while attempting to politicize the disaster.

Speaking to reporters in Tirupati on Monday, Naidu directly challenged former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy and his affiliated media outlets for what he described as manipulative reporting following the tragic accident.

“Former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy and his family have descended to the point of politicizing even such painful accidents,” Naidu stated. “The YSRCP and Sakshi media are hovering like vultures over dead bodies, creating false stories claiming the bus accident was caused by a biker who consumed adulterated alcohol.”

The SAAP Chairman specifically referenced a program called “Satyameva Jayate” on Sakshi TV, which he claims is propagating fabricated narratives about the incident. According to Naidu, official investigations have already determined that the motorcyclist involved in the incident had purchased liquor from a licensed wine shop, directly contradicting the opposition’s allegations about illegal alcohol.

This escalation represents the latest chapter in Andhra Pradesh’s increasingly contentious political landscape, where the current coalition government and YSRCP opposition have frequently traded accusations of misconduct and misinformation.

Naidu contextualized the current dispute within a pattern of what he views as the opposition’s questionable political tactics, referencing what he called “drama” in previous incidents including “Narasura Rakta Charitra,” “Pink Diamond,” and “Kodi Kathi episodes.”

“It is not right to do politics without values,” Naidu emphasized, suggesting the YSRCP’s approach to opposition has crossed ethical boundaries.

The SAAP Chairman connected these alleged misinformation campaigns to the YSRCP’s poor performance in the 2024 general elections, where the party secured only 11 seats in the state legislature. “If this continues, they will not even get a single seat in the next elections,” Naidu predicted.

Beyond the bus tragedy, Naidu also addressed ongoing investigations into alleged financial misconduct during the previous administration. He confirmed that the state’s Vigilance and Enforcement wing has completed its investigation into what has been dubbed the “Aadudam Andhra scandal” and is preparing to submit findings to the government.

The liquor scandal he referenced has been a significant point of contention in Andhra Pradesh politics, with the current administration alleging widespread corruption in the state’s alcohol regulation and distribution systems under YSRCP governance.

Political analysts note that such exchanges reflect the deeply polarized nature of Andhra Pradesh politics since the 2024 election resulted in a change of government. The coalition that replaced the YSRCP has consistently promised accountability for alleged corruption during the previous administration’s five-year tenure.

The Kurnool bus tragedy, which resulted in multiple fatalities, has become a flashpoint in this ongoing political battle. While families of victims continue to mourn their losses, the political establishment appears focused on leveraging the incident for partisan advantage.

Public response to this politicization has been mixed, with some citizens expressing frustration that real accountability and safety improvements might be overlooked amid the political crossfire. Transportation safety advocates have called for both parties to focus on implementing better safeguards rather than assigning blame.

As investigations into both the bus tragedy and alleged financial improprieties continue, the rhetorical battle between Andhra Pradesh’s political factions shows no signs of abating.