The ongoing stand-off between AP CM N. Chandrababu Naidu and Prime Minister Modi is all set to be escalated further with the latest decision of the TDP chief. The AP government has withdrawn the ‘General Consent’ given to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to conduct probes in any case on request from the State. In the absence of this permission, the CBI cannot interfere with any case that takes place within the limits of AP any more.

The AP government cited lack of confidence in the CBI after its officials got exposed in recent scams. AP will no more rely on the the resources of the central institution for additional investigations in unresolved cases. The government has issued order withdrawing notification given in the past with regard to the general consent.

With the latest decision, the CBI cannot conduct raids any more in AP and its functions would now have to be carried out by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) of AP within AP limits. This gives ACB enough powers to conduct raids and searches on Central government departments and institutions located in AP if there are any suspicions.

The AP Police have decided to file cases and carry out raids on Central government officials and offices if they were found involved in politically motivated raids against AP ministers and leaders in the state. With the support provided by the government, the AP Police are strengthening the ACB as well enabling it to gather resources to conduct raids if needed on Central government officials.