TDP Leader Proclaims Readiness to Sacrifice for Telugu People as Supporters Stage Protest
In a dramatic turn of events, the Crime Investigation Department (CID) apprehended former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief, N Chandrababu Naidu, in the early hours of Saturday. He is accused of being the “principal conspirator” in a massive ₹371 crore skill development scam.
Naidu’s arrest unfolded amidst high drama and staunch resistance from TDP cadre members who voiced their support for their leader. Demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the people of Andhra Pradesh, Naidu stated that he was prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice to protect their interests, asserting that no force could deter him from this mission.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the former Andhra Pradesh CM declared, “For the past 45 years, I have selflessly served the Telugu people. I am prepared to sacrifice my life to safeguard the interests of the Telugu people. No force on earth can stop me from serving the Telugu people, my #AndhraPradesh, and my motherland.”
The Andhra Pradesh Crime Investigation Department (CID), on September 9, identified Chandrababu Naidu as “accused no 1” and the primary instigator behind the alleged skill development scam. The agency alleged that government orders were issued under Naidu’s directives with the intent of causing financial loss to the public treasury while benefiting private individuals.
Naidu’s arrest took place around 6 a.m. at the RK Function Hall in Gnanapuram, Nandyala town, directly related to the skill development scam. According to the CID’s remand report, private entities funded six skill development clusters exclusively from funds provided by the Government of Andhra Pradesh and the AP Skill Development Center, amounting to ₹371 crore.
The CID further implicated Mr. Naidu and the Telugu Desam Party in the misappropriation of funds, portraying them as beneficiaries. Naidu is believed to be the mastermind behind the scheme, orchestrating the transfer of public funds to private entities through shell companies, resulting in a loss to the public treasury and private gains. The ultimate utilization of the misappropriated funds, including cash holdings with individuals such as Vikas Khanvilkar, remains subject to further investigation.
In the wake of Naidu’s arrest, passengers found themselves stranded at the Pandit Nehru Bus Station as APSRTC services to various destinations in Andhra Pradesh were canceled on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Telugu Desam Party leaders and activists staged a protest at the Annapurna Sarukulu center in Tirupati, vehemently opposing the arrest of their former Andhra Pradesh CM, N Chandrababu Naidu.
Adding to the unrest, Naidu’s son, Nara Lokesh, took to the streets in protest following his father’s arrest in connection with the corruption case. In response, Chandrababu Naidu maintained his innocence, stating, “I did not commit any malpractice or corruption. CID arrested me without any proper information, and I asked them to show the evidence, but they refused to show and attached my name to the FIR without my role.”
