SRIKAKULAM: Political tensions flared sharply in Srikakulam district on Monday as police prepared to arrest MLC Duvvada Srinivas in connection with a case related to his alleged derogatory remarks against Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan. The Kothuru Police Station and its surroundings turned into a flashpoint as supporters and the MLC’s wife Madhuri gathered in large numbers to protest the action.
Duvvada Srinivas was subjected to prolonged questioning at Kothuru Police Station for over five hours. As reports emerged that he was likely to be taken into custody and formally arrested, his supporters and wife Madhuri rushed to the station in significant numbers, staging a protest outside the gates with placards. Madhuri expressed strong anger over the police’s conduct and led a vocal demonstration at the scene. She was subsequently taken into custody by police during the protest.
Speaking to the media, Madhuri made pointed remarks questioning the police action. “Are there no other crimes in this district? Why do the police always target my husband?” she demanded. She warned that she would not remain silent if anything happened to Duvvada Srinivas and vowed to hold accountable those she accused of harassing him.
Madhuri also raised a pointed question about a double standard in how speech is treated. “If what my husband said was wrong, then isn’t what Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan said also wrong? Pawan Kalyan can abuse Jagan as he pleases, but Srinu cannot criticise Pawan? Where is the justice in that?” she asked.
She further alleged that the notices and police action against her family were motivated by political vendetta, accusing the authorities of targeting them in retaliation for exposing what she described as corruption by Minister Acchannayudu. “We had the courage to expose his wrongdoings, and this is how they are settling scores with us,” she said.