Political analyst and professor K. Nageswar is likely to be served notices by the Andhra Pradesh Police in connection with controversial remarks he recently made during a television debate.
Police at Indrapalem, under the Kakinada commissionerate limits, have already registered a case against Nageswar following complaints from Jana Sena Party leaders and cadres.
The controversy erupted after Nageswar allegedly stated during a private television discussion that senior Jana Sena leaders, including Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan and party leader Nadendla Manohar, were exerting pressure on Union Home Minister Amit Shah in matters related to YSR Congress Party chief Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy.
He also reportedly claimed that Amit Shah had snubbed Pawan Kalyan and referred to the TDP and Jana Sena chiefs as “instant friends,” while describing Jagan as a “long-term friend.”
The comments triggered sharp criticism from Jana Sena leaders and supporters, who accused Nageswar of making baseless allegations. A complaint was subsequently lodged with the police by Jana Sena leader Sirangu Srinivasa Rao, following which multiple cases were registered against the professor at the Indrapalem Police Station under various sections.
A war of words continued between Nageswar and Jana Sena functionaries for several days. However, the professor later softened his stance and publicly withdrew his remarks.
During another television debate, Nageswar said the information he had received from what he described as “reliable sources” had turned out to be incorrect. He unconditionally withdrew his comments against Pawan Kalyan and Nadendla Manohar and extended an apology to both leaders.
He reiterated the same position in a post on his X account on Monday night, stating that he had withdrawn his remarks and that the Jana Sena leadership had responded positively, effectively bringing the controversy to an end from both sides.
Despite the withdrawal and apology, Andhra Pradesh Police are understood to be proceeding with the investigation, as criminal cases had already been registered.
According to reports, AP Police officials are expected to visit Nageswar’s residence in Manikonda, Hyderabad, on Tuesday to serve notices and question him in connection with the case.
Meanwhile, Nageswar’s wife, Sree Lakshmi, claimed that Telangana Police have been providing security to her husband. She said police personnel have been accompanying him even when he attends television studio debates.
Nageswar said he was prepared to face arrest.
“I came to know that I may be arrested the day after the case was registered against me. I am not going anywhere and will remain at home. If they want, they can arrest me,” he said.
The professor further clarified that he had neither filed nor intended to file an anticipatory bail petition. He also said he had not yet decided whether to file a quash petition seeking dismissal of the cases.
“I am ready for arrest. In my life, I have had experiences in student movements, public struggles, legislatures and the media. But I have never experienced prison life. If that happens, it may become another complete chapter in my autobiography,” he remarked.
