India: YSR Congress alleges political shielding of casinos and drug networks

Speaking at the party’s Central Office, YSRCP State Official Spokesperson Vangaveeti Narendra alleged that the administration led by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has failed to curb the spread of drugs and illegal gambling, effectively turning the state into what he described as a “drugs den.”

Narendra claimed that large-scale casinos and card clubs are operating openly across the state, with little to no interference from authorities. He alleged that narcotics, including ganja and synthetic drugs, are circulating freely, while law enforcement agencies have been diverted from their core responsibilities. According to him, police resources are instead being used to target YSRCP leaders and workers, raising serious concerns about selective enforcement and political misuse of state machinery.

The spokesperson specifically named Minister Parthasarathy, accusing him and his close associates of running a major casino near Agiripalli in Eluru district for the past eight months. Narendra claimed that hundreds of gamblers from Andhra Pradesh and neighbouring Telangana districts, including Hyderabad and Khammam, visit the casino daily. He alleged that patrons openly deposit large sums of cash and receive casino tokens, and further claimed that the minister receives regular commissions from the operation. On this basis, he demanded Parthasarathy’s immediate removal from the Cabinet.

Narendra also questioned the silence of the Home Minister, criticising what he called misleading government statements about controlling the spread of narcotics such as MDMA. He argued that despite official claims, drug trafficking networks continue to operate without disruption, undermining public safety and endangering young people across the state.

Drawing a contrast with the previous YSRCP government led by former Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, Narendra highlighted the work of the Special Enforcement Bureau (SEB). He said the SEB had destroyed ganja crops across 11,500 acres and supported tribal communities with alternative livelihood programmes worth Rs 500 crore (US$60m). He criticised the current administration for abolishing the SEB and replacing it with the EAGLE unit, which he described as ineffective and lacking operational strength.

Referring to a recent police raid on the alleged Agiripalli casino, Narendra claimed that authorities found around 280 individuals, Rs 50 lakh (US$60,000) in cash, along with 120 cars and 50 motorcycles. He alleged that the incident was deliberately downplayed or suppressed by sections of the media due to political pressure. Warning of further action, Narendra said the YSR Congress Party would launch legal proceedings and public agitations if the government fails to shut down gambling clubs, curb drug trafficking and act against those providing protection to criminal networks.