Archive · 23 Aug 2026
Political Gaffes, VIP Controversy and Power Plays in Telugu States
This roundup describes several political stories from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
One involves a deadly road accident connected to the son of a parliament member.
Critics say the police may have treated him differently because of his family connections.
In Telangana, an MLA made an awkward mistake while naming the chief minister.
Villagers in Adilabad renamed their settlement after a collector who helped families receive homes.
A plan for government-backed electric autorickshaws was dropped after drivers’ unions objected.
Andhra Pradesh legislators exchanged insulting words during a debate about a teacher recruitment examination.
Other stories involved an airport dispute, mistakes with the national flag, and harsh political attacks in Tirupati.
A veteran politician is also reportedly considering a Lok Sabha election bid to pursue a long-held ministerial ambition.
A fatal August 16 accident involving Sanjush, son of Rajya Sabha member Lingamaneni Ramesh, sparked allegations of preferential treatment after police accompanied him to hospital and an incomplete FIR was filed.
Danam Nagender accidentally referred to Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy as “Kalvakuntla,” prompting laughter because Danam previously won office on a BRS ticket.
Adilabad villagers renamed their settlement “Rajarshi Shah Guda” after Collector Rajarshi Shah helped 15 tribal families receive Indiramma houses.
Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar said TGSRTC had no plans to launch electric autorickshaw services after unions threatened opposition over possible livelihood losses.
Other episodes included legislative name-calling in Andhra Pradesh, disputes over airports and political rivalries, Independence Day flag-related errors, and a senior politician’s reported Lok Sabha ambitions.
- Who
- The stories involve politicians, officials, police, transport unions, villagers and political supporters across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, including Lingamaneni Ramesh’s son Sanjush, Danam Nagender and several state leaders.
- What
- The roundup covers an alleged VIP response to a fatal accident, political gaffes and insults, a village renaming, a withdrawn electric-autorickshaw plan, airport and flag controversies, political rivalry, and a possible parliamentary bid.
- When
- The accident occurred on August 16; the other incidents were reported as recent events, with no specific dates provided.
- Where
- The incidents took place in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, including Adilabad, Visakhapatnam, Bhogapuram, Tirupati, Khairatabad and the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Council.
- Why
- The events drew attention because of alleged preferential treatment, political embarrassment, disputes over livelihoods and public services, ceremonial errors, and competition for political influence.
Critics and Opposition Voices
Officials and Political Defenders
Handling of the fatal accident
Critics and Opposition Voices
Critics argue that police actions, the incomplete FIR, the delay in disclosure and alleged lobbying indicate an attempt to protect the MP’s son.
Officials and Political Defenders
The articles report that an IPS officer rejected an alleged effort to substitute another driver and that an FIR was eventually registered against Sanjush.
Electric autorickshaw proposal
Critics and Opposition Voices
Autorickshaw unions opposed the proposal, saying an RTC-run service would reduce drivers’ livelihoods and threatening a strike.
Officials and Political Defenders
TGSRTC was associated with a plan to provide last-mile connectivity, while Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar later officially stated that there were no plans to introduce an RTC autorickshaw service.
Old versus new Visakhapatnam airport
Critics and Opposition Voices
BJP MLA Vishnu Kumar Raju called the suspension of domestic flights at the old airport a “black day” and said he would fight for their resumption.
Officials and Political Defenders
The new Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram was launched with celebratory services and praise from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Political conduct in public forums
Critics and Opposition Voices
Opposition figures and critics objected to personal insults in the Andhra Pradesh Council, harsh attacks between Tirupati supporters, and ceremonial mistakes involving the national flag.
Officials and Political Defenders
The incidents were presented by participants or officials as political exchanges, celebrations or events, although one department launched an inquiry into forest staff dancing near the National Flag.
- Fatal accident
- Sanjush was accused of rash and negligent driving in an accident that killed an employee of a private mall on August 16.
- Police response
- The police reportedly accompanied Sanjush to the hospital, allowed him to leave, and filed an FIR without his surname and father’s name.
- Delayed disclosure
- The accident reportedly remained under wraps for almost five days until social-media posts and videos circulated.
- Village renaming
- Pippiladari gram panchayat’s settlement was renamed “Rajarshi Shah Guda” after Adilabad Collector Rajarshi Shah.
- Housing assistance
- Rajarshi Shah helped 15 families from a most-backward tribal community, including landless families, receive Indiramma houses.
- Electric autorickshaws
- TGSRTC’s proposed last-mile electric-autorickshaw plan faced union protests, after which Ponnam Prabhakar said there were no such plans.
- Legislative dispute
- Andhra Pradesh Council members exchanged the terms “daddamma” and “ambothu” during a debate over alleged Mega DSC examination irregularities.
