Andhra Pradesh Minister and TDP national general secretary Nara Lokesh has strongly condemned the alleged attack attempt on the Hyderabad office of ABN Andhra Jyothi, blaming YSRCP supporters for what he described as yet another reflection of the party’s “toxic political culture.” His sharp remarks have once again intensified the political heat between the ruling alliance and the opposition in Andhra Pradesh.
Reacting strongly to the incident, Lokesh alleged that “YSRCP rowdy groups” attempted to target the ABN Andhra Jyothi office in Hyderabad merely because the media house aired content critical of YSR Congress Party chief Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy. He said such acts expose the mindset of a political ecosystem that cannot tolerate uncomfortable questions or critical reporting.
Lokesh said ABN Andhra Jyothi is one of the few Telugu media platforms that continues to speak fearlessly and question those in power or opposition alike. He said any attempt to intimidate or silence a media organisation through threats or violence is a serious attack on democratic values and press freedom. According to him, if there is any disagreement with a news report or televised content, the right way is to challenge it with facts and evidence — not through aggression or physical intimidation.
In a pointed political attack, Lokesh also drew a comparison involving Sakshi Media Group and ABN Andhra Jyothi, warning that political leaders should not forget that media institutions function within the same democratic framework and deserve equal protection. He said protests against media reports must happen within the boundaries of law and democratic conduct, not through mob behaviour.
Lokesh further stated that ABN Andhra Jyothi Chairman and Managing Director Vemuri Radha Krishna is not someone who would be intimidated by “faction-style politics.” Recalling past political confrontations involving the media house, he claimed that even earlier attempts to pressure the organisation had failed, and said such efforts would continue to fail in the future as well.
He accused Jagan Mohan Reddy and YSRCP leaders of repeatedly choosing confrontation over accountability whenever critical stories are published or aired. Lokesh said in a democracy, the media acts as the fourth pillar and has every right to question political leaders, governments, and parties. If a report is inaccurate, he said, it should be countered with proof. If a story is false, it should be challenged legally and transparently. Resorting to intimidation, he argued, only shows a lack of answers.
Taking the criticism further, Lokesh said political parties that fail to change even after public rejection are damaging democratic culture. He remarked that while leaders may rely on “goonda elements,” independent media institutions like ABN Andhra Jyothi continue to have the support of the public. His comments are now being widely discussed across political and media circles, especially as the debate around media freedom, political intolerance, and public accountability gains momentum once again in Telugu states.
The alleged incident has triggered sharp political reactions and is expected to fuel a wider debate on the safety of journalists, media offices, and the growing pressure on independent news organisations. With Lokesh taking a firm public stand, the controversy is likely to remain in the spotlight in the coming days.