In response to recent arrests of YSR Congress Party (YSRC) social media supporters in Andhra Pradesh for posting offensive and provocative content, actress Sri Reddy issued a public apology. She addressed Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan, Home Minister Anitha, Minister Lokesh, and their families, expressing regret for her previous posts targeting them and pledging to avoid similar behavior in the future.
Her post emphasized that her apology stemmed from a desire to protect her family and ensure her actions did not bring harm or distress to her family members. However, Sri Reddy also raised some pointed questions in her apology. Here’s a look at those questions and the responses they elicited from netizens.
Question 1: Is Targeting Social Media Influencers a Mistake Similar to YSRCP’s Approach?
Sri Reddy suggested that targeting social media influencers might hurt the ruling coalition, noting that some believe YSRCP’s approach of silencing social media voices contributed to its election defeat. She warned that the ruling coalition’s focus on retaliation could lead to negative consequences in the next election.
Response: Many netizens pointed out a critical distinction: during the YSRCP’s rule, any one who criticized Jagan rule faced severe harassment, with tragic consequences in some cases. Examples include Dr. Sudhakar, who faced severe repercussions for raising concerns about healthcare conditions during the pandemic, and Janasena supporters who faced intimidation and harassment from the leaders of the ruling party, with some resorting to tragic actions like suicide. By contrast, the current government’s approach has only targeted social media influencers who used vulgar language or made serious threats, particularly against women and family members of political leaders. Many people now support the selective targeting, viewing it as necessary action to curb harmful speech and threats of violence through social media.
Question 2: Why Target Small-Time Supporters and cadres Instead of “Equals”?
Sri Reddy argued that going after small-time supporters—typically individuals without wealth or resources—seems unfair. She suggested the government should challenge political rivals directly instead of “small birds” like social media influencers.
Response: Critics of Sri Reddy’s statement pointed out a double standard in her stance. They questioned whether these influencers considered themselves “equal” to prominent figures like Pawan Kalyan when making offensive comments or threats. Sri Reddy herself made derogatory remarks in the past, including toward Pawan Kalyan’s mother. Figures like Borugadda Anil, who allegedly threatened women with rape, were seen as examples of the “arrogance” – some netizens believe needs to be addressed. Arresting individuals who cross lines of decency is now seen as a necessary step to ensure that social media is not used as a platform for threats and abusive language.
Question 3: Why Aren’t Similar Actions Taken Against Trolls Targeting YSRCP, Allu Arjun, or Renu Desai?
Sri Reddy questioned why actions are not taken against those who post offensive content about YSRCP leaders, or celebrities like Allu Arjun and Renu Desai.
Response: Netizens acknowledged that the current government’s actions might appear selective. However, they argued that individuals like Allu Arjun and Renu Desai have not filed complaints. Moreover, current arrests are targeted especially at those who threaten of rape and murder.
Observation: A Change in Tone from Sri Reddy?
Netizens were quick to point out that Sri Reddy’s current plea contrasts starkly with her previous stance. Before the recent election results, she released a video celebrating YSRCP’s potential victory and asking Jagan to come down vehemently on everyone who opposed Jagan. She recently travelled to AP, made some arrogant statements and challenged the government to “take action” against her if they have guts. Netizens pointed out that her newfound “saintly” tone appears opportunistic, questioning whether she would have maintained this stance had YSRCP won the election or if the government
Many in Andhra Pradesh remember the YSRCP’s authoritarian tendencies, such as lowering ticket prices specifically for Pawan Kalyan’s films, and harassing citizens of Ippatam village for allowing Janasena events. They argue that these acts demonstrated the oppressive environment under the previous government and people like Sri Reddy fully supported such autocratic rule by YSRCP. But the same people are now crying foul when the current government takes action against those who crossed the line.
Overall Sri Reddy’s questions and arguments did not evoke much sympathy. Additionally, her apology doesn’t mean anything as it is not the first time she apologized. Earlier, she apologized to Pawan for her abusive comments on his mother but after a few days she again started the same verbal abuse. So, her recent apologies also are seen in the same light.
