Massive social media crackdown in Andhra Pradesh: 100 cases filed, 39 arrests as CM Naidu targets inflammatory posts
In an unprecedented clampdown on social media, the Andhra Pradesh chief minister, led by N. Chandrababu Naidu, has upped the ante against the online campaign targeting political leaders and their families. After this campaign, the police have registered 100 cases and arrested 39 for writings on social media that were considered inflammatory and would cause problems to social harmony. According to the Andhra Pradesh police, the step has been taken as they do not want the cause of conflict through online posts and the fact that they would prove a mishap to their families of notable political figures.
The posts apparently targeted Chief Minister Naidu's family, including his wife Bhuvaneshwari, daughter-in-law Brahmini, daughters of Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan and state Congress leader YS Sharmila. Naidu asked his party members to react calmly to such content as his administration continued with the crackdown to manage online criticism.
According to YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) opposition led by Jagan Mohan Reddy, this crackdown on social media aims to silence dissent. According to YSRCP, 650 notices have been issued, while 147 cases have been filed against their supporters. At least 49 arrests within the last week. Reddy also attacked Naidu's Telugu Desam Party, claiming that they had failed on the "Super Six" election promises and let loose legal threats to stifle opposing voices through online criticism. Reddy, with his party, had questioned already the government move to regulate the social media content. His party is determined to continue posting criticism of the ruling TDP.
The high-profile element to the crackdown has been added after film director Ram Gopal Varma was called by Andhra Pradesh police for allegedly posting 'doctored' images of Chief Minister Naidu and deputy chief minister Pawan Kalyan. Varma confirmed he would cooperate with the investigation after a citizen made a complaint, saying that his social media posts dishonoured political leaders and their families.
This blanket crackdown reflects the intent of the Andhra Pradesh government to control online content about political personalities, instead targeting the inflammatory posts. It has been a debatable issue about free speech, censorship, and accountability. Andhra Pradesh crackdown continues amid divided opinion, and it raises the ongoing struggle between digital expression and social responsibility, questioning the digital era's future for free speech in Andhra Pradesh.
