YSRCP Spokesperson Taken into Custody
The YSR Congress Party’s (YSRCP) official spokesperson, Yadav, was arrested on 12 July 2026, following a complaint over alleged derogatory remarks against Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy. The arrest was confirmed by police sources, who stated that Yadav was taken into custody from his residence in Vijayawada early this morning.
Nature of the Remarks
The complainant, a local activist, accused Yadav of repeatedly referring to the Telangana Chief Minister as a 'Delivery Boy' of food delivery platforms during a public meeting held on 10 July. The complainant alleged that Yadav also made additional comments that were insulting and demeaning, targeting Reddy’s caste background. The case has been registered under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, as well as sections of the Indian Penal Code related to defamation and intentional insult.
Political Reactions
The arrest has sparked sharp reactions from both parties. YSRCP leaders condemned the action, calling it a politically motivated move by the Telangana government to silence dissent. “This is an attack on freedom of speech. Our spokesperson merely criticized the CM’s policies, but the ruling party is using police power to harass us,” said a senior YSRCP leader. In contrast, Telangana Congress leaders welcomed the arrest, stating that no one should be allowed to make casteist remarks against the Chief Minister.
Legal Proceedings
Yadav was produced before a local magistrate and remanded to judicial custody for 14 days. His lawyers have filed a bail petition, arguing that the remarks were taken out of context and were not intended to offend any community. The next hearing is scheduled for 19 July. According to police, the investigation is ongoing, and further statements from witnesses will be recorded.
Background
This incident adds to the ongoing political tension between the YSRCP and the ruling Congress party in Telangana. Revanth Reddy, who became Chief Minister in 2024, has been a frequent target of YSRCP criticism over governance issues. However, this is the first instance where a YSRCP functionary has been arrested for remarks against him. The case has also drawn attention to the use of the SC/ST Act in political disputes, with legal experts debating its applicability in this context.
