YSRCP Leader Ambati Rambabu Held Over CM Remarks: Tensions Rise in Guntur

The arrest of senior YSRCP leader Ambati Rambabu has triggered fresh political tensions in Guntur, underscoring the deepening rivalry between the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the opposition YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) . Rambabu, a former Water Resources Minister and prominent YSRCP leader, was taken into custody by police following allegations that he made objectionable and abusive remarks against Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu . Authorities registered two FIRs based on complaints from TDP leaders one related to alleged offensive language directed at the Chief Minister and another concerning behavior likely to disturb public order. Police described the action as preventive and shifted him to Nallapadu Police Station for questioning.

Tension mounted near Rambabu’s residence even before the arrest, with groups of TDP workers gathering to demand an apology. The situation turned chaotic, prompting heavy police deployment. YSRCP leaders alleged that some TDP activists attempted to attack the house using sticks and rods, claiming Rambabu’s life was at risk and several party workers were injured. Police confirmed they are investigating these counter-allegations alongside the case against Rambabu.

The controversy is linked to a politically sensitive dispute over alleged irregularities in the ghee used to prepare Tirupati laddu prasadam at the Tirumala temple. Chief Minister Naidu had accused the previous YSRCP government of allowing adulterated ghee supplies, a charge that led to a court-monitored probe by a CBI-led Special Investigation Team (SIT). The SIT later reported that the ghee samples examined were synthetic and not milk-derived, containing vegetable oils such as palm oil, but did not include animal fats as initially alleged. The issue nevertheless became a flashpoint, with TDP banners in Guntur accusing the former regime, prompting Rambabu’s sharp response.

YSRCP chief Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy condemned the arrest as political vendetta and alleged deterioration of law and order, while the party sought intervention from central authorities. Police maintain the action followed legal procedure, as investigations continue amid a charged political climate.