Based on current events, it appears unlikely that TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu will be released from jail in time for the 2024 general elections.
The state government has filed a fresh case related to a liquor scam against Chandrababu Naidu, which has been submitted to the ACB court in Vijayawada. While the court has admitted the case, a hearing date has not been set yet.
This case is expected to be challenging as it alleges that Naidu favored certain companies to manufacture liquor, with orders issued after the notification for the 2019 general elections by the Election Commission of India.
The charges also involve the approval of new liquor brands such as President Medal and Boom Boom during Chandrababu Naidu's government.
Similar to the Amaravati inner ring road alignment case, this new case presents difficulties for Naidu as charges have been framed under Section 409 of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Chandrababu Naidu's senior advocates are contending with Section 17A, while legal representatives of the state government and the CID are pursuing them with one case after another.
Securing bail and clearing Section 409 will not be easy for Chandrababu Naidu. All these developments suggest that Naidu may remain in jail as the state approaches the critical elections in April 2024.
