Chevireddy Bhaskar Reddy, once known as the tough man of Chandragiri, is now learning the value of silence in politics.
After spending more than 160 days in judicial custody over the liquor scam, he appears to have realised that loyalty cannot be seized like property; it can be forgotten overnight.
He rose as one of YSR's young protégés, strengthened Chandragiri for the Congress, and later turned it into a YSR Congress fortress.
In return, he secured two MLA terms and, in 2024, a ticket to contest as the Ongole MP. He lost. His son lost as well. The party moved on; Chevireddy moved into judicial custody.
Today, he carries the tag of Accused No. 38 in the liquor scam.
Meanwhile, YSRCP chief Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy, known for visiting jailed party leaders, has not extended that courtesy to Chevireddy.
His supporters now whisper that he feels abandoned by the very party he helped build and the signs are beginning to show.
