With the TDP led Andhra Pradesh government completing a year in power, the Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu has landed in a big controversy. On Sunday, a local news channel T News aired an audio tape of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu allegedly extending his support to nominated MLA Elvis Stephenson. Last week the TDP MLA Revanth Reddy was arrested by Anti corruption bureau after he was caught red handed bribing the very same MLA Elvis Stephenson. The TDP government has denied all allegations, claiming it to be a political conspiracy.
An audio tape allegedly involving Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister has created more trouble for Chandra Babu Naidu. In an alleged conversation, released by a local news channel, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu can be heard telling nominated MLA Elvis Stephenson that all commitments will be honoured and he will get complete support. On May 31, the Anti Corruption Bureau arrested TDP MLA Revanth Reddy for allegedly trying to bribe the nominated MLA Elvis Stephenson to vote for TDP nominee in the Telangana Legislative Council election. Based on a complaint by Stephenson, the ACB officials arrested Revanth Reddy red handed while allegedly handing over Rs 50 lakh to Stephenson. However, members of the Telugu Desam Party have stated that the voice in the audio tape did not belong to Chandra babu Naidu and he was being framed unnecessarily.
Parakala Prabhakara, advisor to AP government said “we strongly condemned these types of cheap political tricks that have been played· We are going to fight this out constitutionally, legally and politically”.
The TDP has accused the TRS government of tapping the TDP leaders’ telephones. Even a case has been registered in Vishakhapatnam against Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekara Rao for allegedly doctoring the audio and defaming the TDP and its chief minister. In Telangana, the TRS is demanding that Chandra Babu Naidu should be made an accused in the bribe scam. Also the opposition parties have stepped up the attack saying that role of Chandrababu naidu should be investigated.
KT Rama Rao, IT and RDPR minister and son of Telangana CM KCR said “Whatever we are seeing in AP and Telangana clears that they indulged in cash for vote. Anti-corruption bureau is investigating on the matter”.
Reacting to the developments PL PUNIA, leader of the Congress said “if Naidu is found guilty, then he should immediately resign”
The issue has turned into a big political battle in the state. TDP and TRS have accused each other of horse-trading during the legislative council elections. The Anti Corruption Bureau investigating the case is taking every step carefully. Both chief ministers and the governor are scheduled to visit New Delhi this week, where the bribe scam is likely to be discussed with the central government.
In the meantime, the authenticity of the tape can only be verified after forensic investigation. But the controversy at a time when AP is celebrating its achievements in one year, has dented the image of Naidu. His arch rival KCR has won round one of the battle.
