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Andhra Dy Speaker backs Bhimavaram DSP under Pawan Kalyan’s scrutiny, sparks row in NDA Known for his clout in West Godavari, particularly in Bhimavaram, K Raghurama Krishna Raju’s public defence of the DSP is being seen by some as an assertion of his regional influence within the alliance. Synopsis: A political row has erupted within the ruling TDP-led NDA in Andhra Pradesh after Deputy Speaker K. Raghurama Krishna Raju publicly defended Bhimavaram DSP R Ganesh Jayasurya, a day after Deputy Chief Minister and JSP chief Pawan Kalyan ordered an inquiry into the officer’s alleged role in promoting illegal gambling. Raju’s open challenge to Kalyan, through his public backing of the officer, has turned what seemed a routine disciplinary matter into a flashpoint within the ruling alliance. Andhra Pradesh Deputy Speaker K Raghurama Krishna Raju has backed Bhimavaram Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) R Ganesh Jayasurya, a day after Deputy Chief Minister and Jana Sena Party (JSP) chief Pawan Kalyan ordered an inquiry into the officer’s alleged role in promoting illegal gambling and interfering in civil disputes. The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leader’s public defence of the DSP appears to have turned what seemed a straightforward disciplinary step into a proxy battle within the ruling TDP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Known for his clout in West Godavari, particularly in Bhimavaram, Raju’s support is being seen by some as an assertion of his regional influence within the alliance. Even though policing matters fall outside his portfolio, the deputy chief minister had sought a report from the Director General of Police on the conduct of the DSP and on the rise of gambling activity in other parts of the state. The twist came when Raju, who represents Undi in West Godavari district, came out strongly in support of the officer. “DSP Jayasurya is a fine officer with an excellent track record. Gambling activities like 13-card games are quite common in the Godavari districts and not inherently criminal,” he told reporters on Wednesday, 22 October. Also Read: NDA’s inclusion of YSRCP MP Mithun Reddy in UNGA delegation ruffles TDP’s feathers Raju questions veracity of Kalyan’s information Questioning the very basis of Kalyan’s complaint, Raju suggested that the Deputy Chief Minister may have been misled. “I don’t know who has been feeding Pawan Kalyan misinformation about DSP Jayasurya, but he is a good and efficient officer,” he asserted. The controversy first erupted earlier this week when local JSP leaders in Bhimavaram lodged complaints with Pawan Kalyan, accusing the DSP of ignoring a surge in illegal gambling dens. They also alleged that Jayasurya was interfering in civil disputes and invoking the names of influential alliance leaders to exert pressure. Taking a serious view of the matter, Kalyan, who holds the Panchayat Raj and Rural Development portfolios, directed the West Godavari Superintendent of Police and the Director General of Police to submit a detailed report on the DSP’s conduct. The deputy chief minister made it clear that “no police official aiding or abetting anti-social activities will be spared,” warning of stern action if the charges were proven. The episode is widely seen as part of Pawan Kalyan’s ongoing drive to clean up the system and crack down on illegal activities, particularly in coastal districts such as West Godavari, where gambling rackets have long posed a challenge for law enforcement. However, the campaign has now run into an unexpected political hurdle. Also Read: With absence of ‘direct evidence’, here’s where Tirumala ghee row stands Open challenge adds strain within the NDA alliance Raju’s political career has rarely been free of controversy. Elected as a Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) MP from Narsapuram in 2019, he became one of then Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy’s fiercest critics, opposing key decisions such as the three-capital proposal and several education reforms. He later faced multiple cases and even alleged custodial torture during the YSRCP regime, before joining the TDP ahead of the 2024 elections. The switch paid off. Raju won the Undi Assembly seat on a TDP ticket and was unanimously elected Deputy Speaker in November 2024, cementing his position as a power centre within the NDA setup. Now, his open challenge to Kalyan’s stance has put the ruling alliance in an awkward position. TDP leaders have sought to play down the matter, describing it as a “local issue,” while JSP cadres view it as a direct affront to their leader’s authority. As tensions rise within the NDA alliance, all eyes are on Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, who may have to step in to douse the political fire before it threatens the NDA’s unity. For now, the incident has become a test of nerves and influence within Andhra Pradesh’s ruling coalition – a reminder that in politics, even a small spark can unsettle a behemoth. (Edited by Dese Gowda)
