FENCING MATCH

In the first fiat of the new year, Andhra Pradesh chief minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy banned road shows across the state-a move observers feel is targeted at stifling a resurgent Telugu Desam Party (TDP), its main rival in the state. The restrictions came after the death of 11 people in stampedes at two TDP rallies in Nellore and Guntur districts on December 28 and January 1, respectively. TDP chief N. Chandrababu Naidu had opted to lie low following the party's defeat in the 2019 assembly election. It's only in the latter half of 2022 that he became active again, and the two incidents, while tragic, also pointed to the kind of traction he was getting.

- Amarnath K. Menon

The state police have enforced the ban strictly by slapping notices and seizing TDP campaign vehicles. Naidu's plan for a road show from January 4-6 in his home constituency, Kuppam, was among the first casualties. The TDP supremo finally trekked through pockets of his constituency and even clambered atop a bus at Gudupalle to address supporters. "Jagan is fearful for the 2024 assembly election, that's why he is resorting to such actions. I will not rest until I put an end to his atrocious rule," says Naidu. He warned that clamping down on the rights of the Opposition will only intensify people's anger against the YSR Congress regime.