Telugu Desam Party Leader N. Chandrababu Naidu Granted Interim Bail for Medical Reasons
In a recent development, the Andhra Pradesh High Court has granted four weeks of interim bail to Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leader N. Chandrababu Naidu on medical grounds. Mr. Naidu, who has been in judicial custody at the Rajahmundry Central Jail, is set to undergo cataract surgery. While his release is expected later today, there will be restrictions on media interaction and his participation in campaign events. The court has also scheduled the regular bail petition for November 10.
N. Chandrababu Naidu was arrested last month in connection with an alleged ₹371 crore scam involving the state’s skill development corporation. His arrest by the Criminal Investigation Department had sparked political turmoil in the state, resulting in clashes between TDP supporters and the police. TDP leaders have accused Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy and his government of pursuing a “witch hunt” against their party.
Additionally, Mr. Naidu faces a second case “Accused No 3,” related to the alleged illegal licensing of liquor companies by the previous government. In a recent letter to a special court, he raised concerns about security lapses in the prison and requested better arrangements, citing the need for security commensurate with his Z-Plus category security cover provided outside of jail.
In related news, it has been confirmed that the TDP will not contest the upcoming November 30 election in neighboring Telangana. Mr. Naidu reportedly conveyed the difficulty of organizing campaign events from jail, emphasizing the need for the party to communicate these circumstances to its workers. The TDP had previously secured electoral support in Telangana, winning seats in both the 2014 and 2018 elections, but subsequently, many elected representatives shifted their loyalty to the ruling Bharat Rashtra Samithi. Telangana’s election is scheduled for November 30, with results to be declared on December 3.
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