High drama has unfolded ever since the midnight arrest of former Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, just ahead of the elections. The opposition vehemently argues that this arrest is nothing but political vendetta and Jagan wants to keep Naidu behind bars until the elections, given the suspicious timing right before the polls.
Adding to the complexity, Chandrababu Naidu faces multiple cases initiated by Jagan’s government, with the key petition to quash these charges set to be heard again in the Supreme Court tomorrow. The continuous postponements and extensive all-day-long arguments in the Supreme Court have only increased the pressure on TDP.
The cadre of TDP is anxiously waiting for a favorable decision in this case. If the Supreme Court indeed decides to quash the FIR against Chandrababu Naidu, it would be a game-changing moment and a significant relief for him. Conversely, it would be a substantial setback for Jagan.
However, if the verdict does not favor Naidu, it signals that the legal battle will likely continue in the months leading up to the elections. All of this places a considerable burden on Lokesh, who has a lot to manage on the ground.
In any case, tomorrow’s Supreme Court decision promises to bring greater clarity to the situation and potentially alter the course of the political landscape.
Chandrababu Naidu’s SLP is scheduled as Item No. 45 in the Supreme Court on Tuesday, to be heard after 2 PM IST.