Jagan trying to project BJP is with him in Naidu arrest: TDP MP

Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, a Member of Parliament from Telegu Desam Party (TDP) representing the Srikakulam constituency Pradesh, talked exclusively to The Sunday Guardian to draw a picture of the current state of affairs in the political ecosystem of the state which has Lok Sabha in Andhra been affected by the arrest of the main Opposition leader and TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu in an alleged skill development scam. Excerpts:

- BADAR BASHIR

Q: There were reports that Chandrababu Naidu had refused to go by helicopter to Rajahmundry Central Jail and thereby chose the road where he had to travel hours together. Can you tell us why he didn't go by helicopter?

A: In the beginning, there were rumours like that. He (Naidu) was in a different part of the state and then he was supposed to come to Vijayawada. Subsequently, there were reports that there would be a lot of hungama (chaos). So, they spread such rumours saying they might take him by helicopter. Ultimately, they put police throughout the way, not letting anyone interfere with the convoy. It wasn't that Naidu had refused to go by air.

Q: After the arrest, the counsel for Chandrababu Naidu had filed two petitions, one for house arrest and another request for home food. Have these requests been accepted?

A: House arrest was not accepted, home food I think they have allowed, so we are sending him food from outside.

Q: Naidu was arrested in alleged skill development scam by the AP CID and your party has repeatedly contended that this is political persecution. What are the reasons you think made fagan Mohan Reddy (Chief Minister of AP) persecute Naidu politically?