Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu's recent arrest and subsequent remand are being downplayed by his son and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) General Secretary N Lokesh, who referred to them as just a "speed breaker" in the party's history of facing crises. He addressed reporters in Rajamahendravaram, where Naidu is currently in detention, stating that his father's ongoing 'padayatra' (foot march) would be temporarily suspended and resumed once pending issues are resolved.
"Crisis is nothing new to TDP. We have seen many in the past. We even had confrontations with former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. This is just a speed bump for us," Lokesh remarked in response to a reporter's inquiry, as reported by news agency PTI.
Lokesh told news agency ANI, "Andhra Pradesh former Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has been targeted by this government ever since it came to power."
"They have previously filed false cases, and this is one of them. This government's only goal is to tarnish his image. The skill development project is not a new project, according to the facts of the case. Andhra Pradesh is the eighth state in the country. This project has already begun in several other states. The state of Andhra Pradesh has done nothing new, we'll deal with it. We will not remain silent. We will continue to fight this government," he added.
Lokesh further said of state chief minister Jagan Mohan Reddy, "Corruption is not in Chandrababu's blood. He is a well-known personality in the country. Jagan (Andhra Pradesh CM) purposefully imprisoned former CM Chandrababu on false charges. All other political leaders called and expressed their support for me. Could you please tell me about the actual cases filed against you, Jagan? Avinash (Kadapa MP) rescued you from the police in the Vivekanand murder case."
A local court in Vijayawada recently remanded Naidu in judicial custody for 14 days in connection with an alleged multi-crore corruption case. He was arrested on September 9 in Nandyal.
Naidu's arrest is linked to a fraud case involving the misappropriation of funds from the Skill Development Corporation, which resulted in a loss of Rs 300 crore to the state government, according to AP CID Chief N Sanjay.
Lokesh dismissed the charges as "fake" and noted that Naidu's remand report did not contain any mention of the former Chief Minister receiving money or his signature on any document.
The future course of action regarding Naidu's arrest will be decided on Tuesday and initiated from September 13, Lokesh stated.
"Can you (the state government) provide evidence that Chandrababu Naidu received money?" he questioned, adding, "We will not rest until justice is served." He mentioned that political figures like West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee and Janasena Party chief Pawan Kalyan also voiced their disapproval of Naidu's arrest.