The video of N Chandrababu Naidu and Pawan Kalyan laughing out loud has gone viral on social media.
Not only that, but even YSRCP supporters are issuing warnings to the ruling party members, making strong statements about taking revenge once they return to power.
Some are even demanding the implementation of Raja Reddy Rajyangam, which they failed to introduce in their last term. Even Ponnavolu, the advocate of YSRCP, reacted strongly.
This entire controversy erupted after Chandrababu Naidu and Pawan Kalyan were seen enjoying skits that trolled YS Jagan Mohan Reddy and YCP leaders.
But here comes a valid question - didn't Jagan Mohan Reddy laugh in a similar way when leaders like Kodali Nani, Madhusudhan, Perni Nani, and Ambati Rambabu ridiculed Chandrababu Naidu in the Assembly?
The answer is yes. In fact, YSRCP leaders using disrespectful language against Chandrababu deeply irritated TDP supporters.
What made it worse was that Jagan Mohan Reddy did not condemn those remarks - instead, he was seen laughing along, which further angered the TDP cadre.
Looking back further, YCP supporters may argue that the past humiliation of Chandrababu was a reason to how YCP treated Chandrababu between 2019-24. This brings up the never-ending debate, who started it first?
The truth is, the political persecution of Jagan Mohan Reddy by CBN in the past, led to the current cycle of humiliation.
Humiliation fuels agitation - whether it’s TDP or YCP, both sides feel provoked. Personal insults in politics are always condemnable.
Kodali Nani insulting Chandrababu Naidu was highly inappropriate. Similarly, making Chandrababu cry in front of media cameras was a historic moment that cannot be erased.
Likewise, Chandrababu and Pawan Kalyan laughing at the mockery of Jagan Mohan Reddy is also wrong. It provokes not just the leaders but also their followers.
As a seasoned politician with 45 years of experience, known as the "Dharmaraju" of alliance government of Andhra Pradesh, Chandrababu Naidu should have exercised restraint.
If he had discouraged the trolls in the skits, he would have emerged as a statesman, even earning the respect of YCP supporters. But he didn't do that.
At the same time, Jagan Mohan Reddy should have condemned YCP supporters who are now verbally attacking Chandrababu and Pawan Kalyan for their laughter.
If Jagan had stepped in to stop this cycle of retaliation, he would have emerged as a leader with a vision. But he didn't do that either.
Overall, the state of politics in Andhra Pradesh is setting a bad example. Unlike Telangana, where political criticisms are common but personal attacks remain within limits, Andhra Pradesh's politics are becoming overly provocative.
As the senior-most politician, Chandrababu Naidu must set an example by promoting dignified political behavior. But for that to happen, he must first lead by example.
