YSRCP Accuses Andhra Pradesh Govt Over Illegal Gambling
The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) has intensified its criticism of the ruling coalition in Andhra Pradesh, accusing the government of allowing widespread illegal activities to flourish across the state. Party spokesperson Vangaveeti Narendra claimed that the administration led by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has failed to control the expansion of narcotics, ganja cultivation and unlawful gambling operations.
Speaking at a meeting at the party’s Central Office, Narendra alleged that gambling hubs, including casinos and card clubs, are operating openly without interference, raising serious concerns about enforcement and governance.
Allegations Against a Serving Minister
Narendra directly accused cabinet minister Parthasarathy of running a large-scale illegal casino in Agiripalli, located in Eluru district. According to the YSRCP spokesperson, the operation has allegedly been active for nearly eight months and is managed by individuals closely associated with the minister. Narendra further claimed that Parthasarathy is receiving regular commissions from the gambling activities and demanded his immediate removal from the cabinet.
He alleged that hundreds of participants travel regularly from Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Hyderabad and Khammam to attend the casino, where money is openly exchanged for gambling tokens.
Law Enforcement Under Scrutiny
The YSRCP spokesperson also questioned the priorities of the state’s police force, alleging that officers are focusing on harassing opposition leaders instead of addressing public safety concerns. He criticized the Home Ministry for what he described as evasive responses on drug enforcement, particularly in relation to the spread of MDMA.
Comparison With Previous Governance
Narendra contrasted the current situation with the period under former Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy. He highlighted the role of the Special Enforcement Bureau (SEB), which he said was responsible for destroying ganja crops across 11,500 acres and creating alternative livelihood programs valued at Rs 500 crore for tribal communities.
He criticized the decision to dismantle the SEB and replace it with the EAGLE unit, describing the latter as ineffective and lacking the resources needed to tackle organized crime.
Claims of Suppressed Information
To support his allegations, Narendra cited a recent police raid on the alleged Agiripalli casino, which reportedly uncovered 280 individuals on the premises, along with Rs 50 lakh in cash, 120 cars and 50 two-wheelers. He claimed that details of the raid were not widely reported due to political pressure on media outlets.
Narendra warned that the YSRCP would pursue legal action and organize public protests if the government fails to act decisively against illegal gambling operations and drug networks.
Political Tensions Escalate
The accusations highlight deepening political tensions in Andhra Pradesh, with the opposition portraying the state as descending into lawlessness under the current administration. By linking the ruling government to illegal gambling and drug trafficking, the YSRCP is challenging its commitment to public welfare and youth protection.
As the party signals potential court action and street-level protests, pressure is mounting on the state government to respond to the allegations and demonstrate its resolve to address crime and addiction across the state.
