TIRUPATI: Telugu Desam (TD) leaders faced a significant setback in their attempts to stage mass protests following the arrest and subsequent remand of their chief Nara Chandrababu Naidu, in connection with the skill development scam. Despite the high-profile nature of the arrest, the response from party workers has been notably muted, with only a few isolated incidents of protest reported in some parts of the state on Monday.
TD workers encountered substantial challenges in their efforts to stage widespread demonstrations, despite the party's call for a statewide bandh. Though attempts were made to enforce it, normal life remained largely unaffected in the state. This unexpected turn of events has raised questions about the party's ability to mobilize its cadre and the effectiveness of its protest strategies.
Political analysts and observers have been quick to note the relative silence from TD workers in contrast to similar situations in the past. The subdued response has left many wondering about the current state of TD's grassroots support and its ability to mobilize its base. Possible explanations for the lack of mass protests could be attributed to the YSRC government's decision to impose prohibitory orders across the state, effectively banning rallies, processions and meetings following Naidu's arrest.
The police also placed several key TD leaders under house arrest, further restricting their movements and ability to organize protests. Another significant challenge faced by TD workers was the lack of clear directions from the party's leadership. While the party had called for a day-long bandh, there appeared to be a lack of coordination and guidance for the cadre on how to effectively implement the shutdown. The dilemma was exacerbated by the absence of several senior leaders, who were under house arrest.
Contrary to expectations, the bandh had little impact on daily life in Naidu’s home district, Chittoor. Businesses and educational institutions remained open, and there was no noticeable disruption to public and private transport services, including taxis, cabs, buses, and private cars. Essential services continued without interruption, and people went about their day-to-day activities as usual. Even the Heritage dairy outlets, despite their association with Naidu's family, remained open, and there were no reports of any disruptions.
While there were isolated incidents of protest by TD workers, the police were quick to intervene and arrest demonstrators.
In Kuppam Assembly constituency, represented by Naidu, TD workers initiated a road blockade by setting tires ablaze and placing boulders on the highway. Similar protests took place at RTC bus stands in Tirupati, with police arresting protesters to maintain order.
In Nellore rural, tensions escalated as MLA Kotamreddy Sridhar Reddy, who had been under house arrest for three consecutive days, engaged in a confrontation with the police. He questioned his detention, leading to heightened tension in the area due to heavy police presence.
Former minister P. Narayana, a key member of the TD, has also been under house arrested for three days but he did not resist the police forces to come out and stage protests.
