Article Today, Amaravati: The arrest and remand of YSRCP Member of Parliament Mithun Reddy in connection with the Andhra Pradesh liquor scam has set off a political firestorm. The move is seen as a direct strike at the family of former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy. With this, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu appears to have drawn a clear line in his fight against the opposition. The development has rattled YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) ranks, with leaders calling it a targeted political offensive.
Jagan’s Inner Circle Under Attack
Political observers suggest the new government is determined to settle scores. During his tenure, Jagan sent Chandrababu Naidu to jail. Now, the TDP-led government seems to be returning the favour with amplified aggression. Multiple YSRCP leaders and supporters have faced police action. MLA Vallabhaneni Vamsi has been jailed. Senior journalist Kommineni Srinivas Rao was arrested for allegedly insulting Amaravati women on a talk show. Sakshi editor Dhanunjaya Reddy’s house was searched, while the wife of Sakshi’s bureau in-charge Vishwanath Reddy was abruptly transferred from Vijayawada to Paderu. The YSRCP alleges a coordinated crackdown on party loyalists and media sympathisers.
Mithun Reddy Sent to Rajahmundry Jail
The ACB court in Vijayawada remanded Mithun Reddy to judicial custody till August 1st, 2025. He is the fourth accused in the high-profile liquor policy scandal. He was moved to the Rajahmundry Central Jail, escalating the political heat. According to the SIT’s 10-page remand report, Reddy played a central role in planning, implementing, and profiting from the liquor policy changes. He is accused of being a key conspirator in the scandal.
Estimated Loss of Rs.3,500 Crore to the State
The SIT report highlights Mithun Reddy’s direct involvement in designing the liquor policy and facilitating illicit fund collection from distilleries and suppliers. These funds, allegedly diverted through shell companies, have caused an estimated loss of Rs.3,500 crore to the state exchequer. The money trail, now clearly mapped, reportedly leads back to businesses linked to Reddy.
Election Funding Allegations Surface
The SIT alleges that Reddy manipulated excise officials to extract bribes, which were later routed to fund YSRCP candidates in the 2024 elections. Deputy Commissioner Satya Prasad was allegedly used as a pawn with promises of promotion to IAS rank. The report states that meetings were held with Andhra Pradesh Beverages Corporation officials to coordinate this fund collection and disbursement.
SIT Probe Uncovers Explosive Details
As part of the investigation, the SIT has interrogated 268 witnesses and seized over ₹62 crore in unaccounted cash. The liquor kickbacks were traced into real estate, jewellery stores, and multiple bank accounts. A total of 12 individuals, including Reddy, Raj Kasireddy, Vasudeva Reddy, Satya Prasad, and even Rajya Sabha MP V. Vijayasai Reddy, are named as accused—underlining the case’s scale and depth.
YSRCP Alleges Political Vendetta
In response, YSRCP leaders condemned Mithun Reddy’s arrest, calling it a blatant case of political vendetta. Party senior leader Bhumana Karunakar Reddy alleged that the ruling TDP is targeting opposition leaders with false cases. He claimed Reddy had cooperated fully with the investigation and yet was arrested without substantial evidence.
Unfolding Battle in Andhra Politics
With major YSRCP figures facing legal pressure and state institutions targeting party-linked media, Andhra Pradesh’s political landscape has entered a volatile phase. The developments suggest a prolonged and bitter tussle between the ruling TDP and opposition YSRCP in the months to come.
