Whatever may be the issue in Andhra Pradesh, it seems like the ruling party has an ugly role to play in it. In the last five years, YSRCP and its leaders from the minister level to the village level tried to use their power in an autocratic manner to achieve their interests. Many incidents where politics played a significant role came to light. The latest incident relates to the Andhra Cricket Association.
Hanuma Vihari, captain of the Andhra Cricket team, alleged that he was forced to resign from the post because of an altercation with his teammate named Prudhviraj who happens to be the son of a Corporator from the ruling party. Vihari said he was forced to step down by this politician who used his position and involved some big leaders to put pressure on him. The issue drew the attention of many because Vihari posted a long note on Instagram to inform that he won’t be playing to Andhra again.
The opposition parties in Andhra Pradesh immediately lashed out at YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, alleging that political interference was the reason for Vihari’s exit from the Andhra cricket team. TDP national president Chandra Babu Naidu criticized Jagan’s vindictive politics. He said it is a shame on the part of the cricket association to succumb to political pressure.
Nara Lokesh also extended support to Vihari and said that they would roll out a red carpet in two months and welcome him again to play for the state. He said the political interference in cricket which led to Vihari’s unceremonious exit has appalled him.
Janasena president Pawan Kalyan also rallied behind Naidu and Lokesh with a scathing post against Jagan and questioned him about the purpose of launching events like Aadudam Andhra while the state cricket association humiliates and insults the team captain due to political reasons.
While everyone is pointing fingers at the YSRCP, no one from Jagan Mohan Reddy’s government responded so far on the issue. Neither did the cricket association come out with any official statement about this repugnant tussle between the two players.