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A publicity stunt during Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu’s recent visit to Visakhapatnam has drawn criticism on social media, with some users alleging that his penchant for publicity is crossing all limits.
During his recent visit to Visakhapatnam as part of the Swarna Andhra–Swachh Andhra programme, Naidu toured RK Beach and interacted with a woman selling a puffed-rice snack popularly known as “jhalmuri.” He also tasted the snack offered by her.
The episode was subsequently highlighted on the Chief Minister’s social media platforms and by the government’s publicity machinery.
However, critics on social media alleged that the entire interaction appeared to have been stage-managed.
RK Beach is usually crowded with visitors enjoying the sea breeze, waves and various snacks sold along the shoreline. Even during morning hours, the beach generally attracts a considerable number of visitors.
But during Naidu’s interaction with the woman, the immediate area appeared relatively empty, with no other similar snack stalls visible nearby. A food cart had been positioned against the backdrop of the sea, while newly installed bins marked for dry and wet waste were also seen beside it.
The woman was seen standing near the cart as Naidu approached, while senior officials, district administration personnel and members of the media remained largely outside the camera frame.
This led some social media users to allege that the interaction had been planned in advance as a photo opportunity. Claims also circulated that fruits, including bananas, oranges, apples and raw mangoes, had been arranged around the location to improve the visual presentation.
During the interaction, Naidu reportedly asked the woman about her business and tasted the snack from a paper plate. He later called the district collector and directed officials to provide her with a monthly pension of Rs 4,000 under a category meant for destitute or single women.
While the episode was projected as an example of Naidu’s concern for economically vulnerable women, it also triggered questions on social media.
Some users asked why, if the woman was genuinely eligible for such assistance, the district administration had not identified her earlier for a pension and why she had continued to depend on selling snacks on the beach.
Questions were also raised over claims about her earnings from the business. She reportedly told the Chief Minister that she sold around 500 plates a day and considerably more during weekends, with each plate priced at around Rs 30.
“In that case, she earns substantially more from the business than what she would receive through the monthly pension,” one social media user commented.
Critics further claimed that the food cart and other arrangements were removed soon after the Chief Minister left the beach, adding to speculation that the setup had been temporary and created specifically for the visit.
The government has not, however, publicly confirmed the allegations that the interaction was staged.
Did he pay?
No we paid with tax money
It is one of his publicity stunts that failed miserably like every other occasion like cooking on a switched off stove. Once he retires from the active politics, he found a job to become an influencer or youtuber.
Pk ni minchi a acting cheyali kada
they cried on Jagan for making a five star level permanent building…..now they spend even high amounts on publicity and yogandhra events….building is there, publicity is gone….who did right and who did wrong ?
It’s ok, our babu super 6.