Retired IPS officer and former Andhra Pradesh Intelligence Chief A B Venkateshwar Rao has finally confirmed his entry into politics but is still weighing his options — whether to launch a new political party or function as an independent political activist.
“My political journey has already begun. But I’m still undecided about whether to start a party or continue as an independent political activist,” ABV said in an interview with a digital news outlet on Sunday.
He stated that his ideological vision and administrative background distinguish him from other bureaucrats-turned-politicians such as Lok Satta founder Jayaprakash Narayan and former CBI Joint Director V V Lakshminarayana.
“I don’t see any existing party truly committed to meaningful development. The state is in decline, and I want to offer an alternative path,” he said firmly.
ABV explained that his decision to enter politics is not a reaction to any particular incident but rather a culmination of decades of experience.
“I want to bring positive change, and I believe politics is the only way to effect real transformation,” he added.
Addressing past allegations of targeting YSR Congress Party president Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy during the previous Telugu Desam Party (TDP) regime, ABV denied any such intent. He clarified that his role was purely to maintain law and order.
He also dismissed claims that he facilitated the defection of 23 YSRCP MLAs to the TDP under the direction of then Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.
“As Intelligence Chief, it was my duty to monitor and neutralize threats, including political ones. During incidents like the Tuni train-burning protest involving Mudragada Padmanabham, we closely tracked possible YSRCP involvement,” he said.
ABV did not hold back in criticizing Jagan Mohan Reddy’s administration.
“His leadership style is authoritarian. It suppresses constitutional freedoms and weakens institutions. For him, power is a tool to accumulate wealth rather than serve the people,” he alleged.
He also refuted accusations of caste-based political alignment with the TDP.
“I worked with Chandrababu Naidu as any Intelligence Chief or DGP would with a sitting chief minister. It was a professional relationship. I was never directed to target Jagan or his party,” he asserted.
Commenting on the current TDP-led alliance government, ABV offered measured criticism.
“This government has two key responsibilities: reversing the damage caused by the previous regime and steering the state forward in development and welfare. It hasn’t fully succeeded in either so far,” he said.
On Jana Sena Party chief and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, ABV remarked that the actor-turned-politician is still evolving.
“He’s transitioning from a film star into a serious political figure and is in the process of defining his political identity,” he observed.
He also strongly opposed the Banakacherla irrigation project, calling it harmful to the state’s interests.
According to ABV, the project would place a significant financial burden on the state and jeopardize Andhra Pradesh’s rights over Krishna river waters.
