Party spokesperson Vangaveeti Narendra accuses ruling coalition of shielding casinos and narcotics networks, warns of legal and public agitation
The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) has launched a sharp attack on the Andhra Pradesh coalition government led by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, alleging that the state is rapidly becoming a hub for drugs and illegal gambling due to political patronage and weak enforcement. Speaking at the YSRCP Central Office, State Official Spokesperson Vangaveeti Narendra claimed that narcotics trafficking, ganja cultivation and large-scale gambling operations are flourishing unchecked across the state.
Narendra alleged that multiple casinos and card clubs are operating openly with the protection of influential political figures. He specifically named Minister Parthasarathy, accusing him and his close associates of running a major casino near Agiripalli in Eluru district for the past eight months. According to Narendra, the venue attracts hundreds of gamblers every day from across Andhra Pradesh and neighbouring regions, including Telangana, Hyderabad and Khammam.
He claimed that patrons are seen depositing cash and receiving casino tokens in full public view, and alleged that the minister receives regular commissions from the operation. Narendra demanded that Parthasarathy be immediately removed from the Cabinet, stating that his continued presence undermines public trust and the rule of law.
The YSRCP spokesperson further alleged that law enforcement agencies are being misused to target opposition leaders rather than focusing on public safety. He questioned the silence of the Home Minister on the issue and criticised what he described as misleading claims by the government about controlling the spread of narcotics, including drugs such as MDMA.
Drawing a contrast with the previous YSRCP administration under former Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, Narendra highlighted the work of the Special Enforcement Bureau (SEB). He said the SEB had played a key role in dismantling drug networks, destroying ganja cultivation across approximately 11,500 acres and supporting alternative livelihood programmes for tribal communities valued at around Rs 500 crore (US$60m).
Narendra criticised the current government’s decision to abolish the SEB and replace it with the EAGLE unit, which he described as ineffective and lacking the operational capacity to tackle organised crime. He argued that this policy shift has emboldened criminal elements and weakened enforcement on the ground.
Referring to a recent police raid at the alleged Agiripalli casino, Narendra claimed authorities detained around 280 individuals and seized Rs 50 lakh (US$60,000) in cash, along with 120 cars and 50 motorcycles. He alleged that the incident received limited media coverage due to political pressure.
Narendra warned that unless the government takes immediate action to shut down gambling clubs, curb drug trafficking and act against those providing protection to criminal networks, the YSR Congress Party will pursue legal remedies and launch public agitation to protect the state’s youth and restore law and order.
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