Andhra Pradesh launches major social media crackdown; 100 cases filed, 39 arrested

Andhra Police crackdown on social media activists for ‘derogatory posts’, several arrested

The Andhra Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, has initiated a wide-ranging crackdown on social media content deemed inflammatory or defamatory.

In the past week, state authorities have filed over 100 cases, arrested 39 individuals, and issued 67 notices in response to posts allegedly targeting political leaders and their families.

The crackdown is focused on social media content that police claim could stir conflict or promote disharmony among different groups. Many of the posts in question have specifically targeted members of the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP), including Chief Minister Naidu’s wife, Bhuvaneshwari, his son, and Minister N Lokesh’s wife, Brahmini.

Posts also aimed at Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan’s daughters and state Congress president Y S Sharmila have drawn police action.

In a statement addressing the situation, Chief Minister Naidu called for his party members to maintain dignity and refrain from reacting aggressively to such posts. “We must rise above provocation and maintain the moral high ground,” he urged his party’s supporters.

However, the opposition party, Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy‘s YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), has accused the government of overreach and political harassment. The party claims that their activists have faced a disproportionate crackdown, with 650 notices issued, 147 cases filed, and 49 arrests made in a matter of days. YSRCP leader Jagan Mohan Reddy has slammed Naidu for failing to fulfill pre-election promises, calling the crackdown an attempt to stifle dissent.

“Instead of addressing the broken promises, they are filing cases and arresting activists,” Reddy said. “If questioned, they threaten with legal action. But we will continue to speak out and post on social media against this injustice.”

In a related incident, filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has also come under scrutiny for his social media activity. Varma, known for his controversial posts, was summoned by Andhra police for allegedly sharing morphed images of Chief Minister Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan.

The filmmaker has been asked to appear before investigating officers next week. He has confirmed he will comply with the summons.

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