Article Today, Amaravati:
Andhra Pradesh Assembly witnessed dramatic scenes on Thursday as Telugu Desam Party legislator N. Balakrishna launched scathing attacks on former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy. He described Mr. Jagan as “psychotic,” a remark that led to uproar in the House. His outburst extended beyond the opposition, drawing attention to differences within the ruling alliance itself.
Dispute Over Film Industry Meeting
The controversy stemmed from the past meeting of film industry representatives with Mr. Jagan during the YSRCP government. BJP MLA Kamineni Srinivas stated that the meeting happened only because actor Chiranjeevi insisted on it, as the Chief Minister had initially refused.
Balakrishna rejected this version and argued that Mr. Jagan had deliberately insulted Chiranjeevi. He added that although invited, he did not attend for that reason. Soon after, Chiranjeevi issued a press statement clarifying that he met the then Chief Minister on his invitation and was received with courtesy. The conflicting accounts further deepened confusion over the episode.
Sharp Personal Attacks
Balakrishna’s remarks against Mr. Jagan prompted an immediate counter from YSRCP leader Ambati Rambabu, who retorted that Balakrishna himself was the “biggest psycho in the world” and that he could provide a certificate for it. The exchange escalated tensions in the House, leading to repeated interruptions.
Anger at Ruling Coalition
In a surprising move, Balakrishna also criticised his own coalition government. He expressed displeasure at the Film Development Committee list, where his name appeared ninth. He accused Minister Kandula Durgesh of showing disrespect and revealed that he confronted the Minister over the matter. His comments exposed internal strains within the Telugu Desam Party-led alliance, raising questions about cohesion in the ruling front.
A Sense of Neglect
Close associates of Balakrishna indicated that he feels sidelined despite being part of the ruling party founded by his father N.T. Rama Rao. While several leaders enjoy positions of power, he continues to serve only as a legislator. His emotional remarks in the Assembly reflected this underlying discontent.
Political Implications
The episode not only unsettled the Assembly but also put Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu in a difficult position. Balakrishna’s criticism of both the opposition and his own government is being seen as a sign of growing unease within the coalition. Political observers note that his comments have created ripples that could affect the alliance’s internal dynamics in the coming days.
