In an unexpected move, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) president and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi took sharp aim at Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) president N. Chandrababu Naidu during a meeting held in Adoni, Nandyal district on Sunday.
Owaisi, who usually confines himself to Old City politics in Hyderabad and rarely ventures into Andhra Pradesh affairs, accused Naidu of both destroying the TDP and harming the state’s interests.
He suggested that it was time for Naidu to step aside and allow his son, Nara Lokesh, to take charge of both the party and the government.
“You have led the party for 14 years — now it’s enough,” Owaisi said bluntly, adding that Naidu’s reluctance to relinquish control was damaging Lokesh’s political future. He argued that if Naidu had no intention of handing over the party to Jr NTR, then he should at least pass the mantle to his son.
“He’s your logical successor if you want to keep the party within the family,” Owaisi remarked. He also accused Naidu of obstructing Lokesh’s political rise through his continued dominance.
Revisiting the party’s past, Owaisi accused Chandrababu Naidu of betrayal, recalling the infamous political coup against TDP founder and his father-in-law, N.T. Rama Rao. “He became CM through backstabbing NTR,” he said.
Taking a jab at Deputy Chief Minister and Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan, Owaisi mocked, “If Pawan is a hero, then I’m a bigger hero than him,” drawing laughter and headlines alike.
Owaisi also clarified that the AIMIM supports the development of Amaravati and pledged to fight for the capital’s growth. He praised YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, stating, “Jagan’s MPs supported us in Parliament,” hinting at a growing bonhomie between the two parties.
On the controversial issue of religious representation in temple boards, Owaisi questioned the logic behind a proposed law barring non-Hindus from holding posts in the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD). “If that’s the rule for TTD, then why allow members of other religions in the Waqf Board?” he asked, pointing out the inconsistency in religious appointments in public institutions.
Owaisi’s fiery speech at Adoni has certainly stirred the pot, marking a rare foray into Andhra politics — and his remarks are likely to ignite strong political responses in the days to come.