The Andhra Pradesh government is preparing to tighten control over social media criticism by setting up a cabinet sub-committee to regulate online narratives. Observers note that CM Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan, once vocal critics of the YSRCP government’s handling of dissent, now face accusations of double standards. The new initiative aims to classify and act against so-called “fake news,” but critics argue it is a way to suppress exposure of government failures and corruption.
Social media platforms have highlighted issues such as urea shortages, unpaid student fee reimbursements, and rising debts, sparking public discontent. Opposition leaders allege that while the government quickly responds to posts against TDP leaders, it ignores derogatory content targeting YSRCP women leaders and even family members of Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy. With rising criticism over unfulfilled promises and mounting debts, the government’s move to curb social media is being seen as a strategy to silence dissent.
