Election Season Drama: Chandrababu Naidu’s Reputation On The Line?

Since the inception of his tenure, Jagan Reddy has maintained a consistent objective: implicating Chandrababu Naidu in various cases. A ministerial sub-committee was formed with the aim of uncovering ‘defects and shortcomings.’ Allegations of ‘insider trading in the land acquisition of Amaravati capital’ were leveled, but these claims failed to withstand legal scrutiny.

Similar accusations were made against the Skill Development Corporation, yet no substantial evidence emerged. Now, two years later, fresh notices are being issued to other individuals in the same case. As elections loom, an array of narratives is being crafted to tarnish Chandrababu’s reputation, using income tax department notices as a pretext.

Daily reports suggest that Chandrababu received donations totaling Rs. 119 crores from Shapoorji Pallonji’s organization, which has been involved in numerous state projects. However, Shapoorji Pallonji vehemently denies making any contributions. Notably, an individual claiming to represent the organization targeted Chandrababu, filing an official complaint alleging detention, mental torture, and coercion to sign a statement.

Chandrababu had previously responded to the IT department’s notice on this matter in 2022, and his arguments were heard. Nonetheless, the IT department has suddenly resumed sending notices, with the CID repeatedly corresponding with them on the same issue.

Suspicions arise that the IT Department is reissuing notices to Chandrababu at the behest of Chief Minister Jagan. The IT department contends that Shapoorji Pallonji Company, which engaged in numerous AP projects during Chandrababu’s tenure, made the contributions. However, the department had accepted the company’s income tax returns without objection. If any illicit payments had occurred, they should have been detected then. It is striking that after four years, Chandrababu is now facing notices regarding alleged contributions from Shapoorji Pallonji.