There is an old saying that when you point a finger at someone, four fingers turn towards you. Another proverb says that a person may notice faults in others but fail to see the darkness within himself.
These sayings seem relevant in the present debate around ABN Radha Krishna, editor of Andhra Jyothy, whose recent writings in the Kotta Paluku column are drawing criticism and even being called a comedy piece by some observers.
It is already known that he wrote that YSR Congress Party leaders and fans blindly follow Jagan Mohan Reddy, and also wrote, “Jagan chepthe… kattukunna bhaaryalanu kooda sontha chellellu ani cheppi, vaallaku pelli sambandhaalu choodataniki kooda venukaadani vennemuka leni batch ee YSRCP vaallu.”.
However, here is an irony. Radha Krishna and sections of TDP allied media have been displaying similar patterns in the past when political alignments changed.
For instance, questions are being raised about why several negative articles about the BJP reportedly disappeared from the publication after Chandrababu Naidu entered into an alliance with the party.
Earlier, when Naidu was aligned with the BJP, Congress was reportedly targeted strongly in the paper. After the alliance ended, the BJP itself became a major target.
Similarly, when Naidu aligned with Rahul Gandhi, the tone towards Congress turned positive and supportive.
It should also be recalled how Pawan Kalyan was sharply targeted when he attempted to pursue an independent political path. When he later aligned with Chandrababu Naidu, the criticism stopped.
So, to whom is Radhakrishna preaching morals? Every Telugu person knows his moves. After all, he has benefited by doing so.
Based in Hyderabad, he needs the blessings of Revanth Reddy, and therefore he takes care of him in his write ups.
For advertisements and other support for his paper, he also needs Chandrababu Naidu from Andhra Pradesh, so he has his own reasons for this sycophancy and blind following.
Similarly, YCP leaders may also have their own reasons to follow Jagan Mohan Reddy. But what about YCP fans? They do not gain any direct benefit, yet they continue to support him. That is something worth thinking about.
At least now, if he says sorry to the YCP leaders and fans, it would be better and would help preserve Radhakrishna’s respect.
Madhunandan Akkishetty
