Telugu Desam Party president and Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu has reportedly decided to suspend party’s Lok Sabha member from Eluru parliamentary constituency Putta Mahesh Kumar Yadav, who had tested positive for drugs in a late-night party held at Moinabad in Hyderabad on Saturday night.
Within hours of Yadav being detained by the Telangana police and testing positive for consumption of drugs, the TDP issued a show-cause notice to him, seeking an explanation about the entire episode within five days.
Though Yadav issued a video statement saying he was innocent and had gone to the party to meet a friend, his explanation was not satisfactory, as he had tested positive for drugs.
During a review meeting with MLAs from Tirupati district on Tuesday, the chief minister reportedly expressed serious displeasure over Mahesh Yadav’s alleged involvement in activities that have brought embarrassment to the party.
He made it clear that the party would not shield leaders indulging in misconduct or damaging habits.
“Why should the party bear the burden of individuals who indulge in wrongdoing and self-destructive habits?” Naidu reportedly remarked, underscoring the need for discipline and accountability within the party ranks.
Recalling that Mahesh Yadav was given a parliamentary ticket in the 2024 elections with the intention of encouraging youth participation in politics, Naidu said it was unacceptable for a sitting MP to attend controversial parties linked to drug consumption.
“Some individuals are misusing the opportunities given to them. Even those from respectable political backgrounds are failing to uphold standards,” he observed.
The chief minister also reiterated that the TDP had previously taken strict action against leaders who violated party discipline and emphasized that no one would be given special concessions.
Party sources indicated that disciplinary action, including suspension, is imminent, as the leadership seeks to send a strong message amid increasing scrutiny over the conduct of elected representatives.
