Even as the YSR Congress party is trying to turn tables on the Telugu Desam Party over the political affiliation of Cherukuru Venkatesh Naidu, one of the accused in the Rs 3,500 crore liquor scam that allegedly took place during the previous Jagan Mohan Reddy government, the TDP has shot back with more evidence to link the accused with the YSRCP.
On Wednesday, TDP spokesperson Anam Venkata Ramana Reddy questioned why YSRCP leaders were distancing themselves from Venkatesh Naidu (A-34 in the liquor scam), despite a viral video showing him stacking bundles of illegal cash.
YSRCP leaders have claimed that the video was fabricated, pointing out the presence of ₹2,000 currency notes that were demonetised prior to the elections. They argued the clip was part of a conspiracy to falsely implicate the party.
They also suggested that Venkatesh Naidu, a real estate businessman, might have been using the money for his personal ventures.
The party further questioned why the SIT has not investigated the alleged links between Venkatesh Naidu and TDP leaders, including Nara Lokesh, who was photographed with Naidu and is seen felicitating him in the past.
However, Anam countered this narrative, stating that the videos were retrieved directly from Venkatesh Naidu’s phone by the SIT.
He noted that Naidu is a close aide of senior YSRCP leader and former MLA Bhaskar Reddy Chevireddy (A-38 in the case), and both were arrested together on June 18.
According to the charge sheet filed by the SIT in the ACB Court on July 20, Venkatesh Naidu allegedly stored large amounts of cash in cardboard boxes at his Hyderabad residence.
He reportedly handed over the money to other accused, who then distributed it to the followers of Chevireddy in Ongole.
“Approximately ₹200–250 crore was routed through Venkatesh Naidu over a period of six months, and he in turn passed it on to Chevireddy for voter distribution across various constituencies,” the TDP stated.
The party further alleged that senior YSRCP leaders personally escorted Venkatesh Naidu to Colombo to shield him and Chevireddy once the SIT began its investigation.
Anam also raised questions about the connection between another accused, Raj Kesireddy, and Y S Sujatha Reddy, a cousin of Jagan Mohan Reddy.
“Isn’t he Sujatha Reddy’s son-in-law? How can you now claim they are not associated with your family?” he asked.
He went on to reveal that another accused, Muppidi Avinash Reddy, had links with Adan Distilleries.
“This Avinash Reddy is Raj Kesireddy’s cousin. How can the YSRCP deny their association with these individuals?” Anam asked.
