By TCO News Desk
Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh – January 28, 2026
In a escalating political controversy rocking Andhra Pradesh's ruling NDA alliance, Jana Sena Party has come under fire for its measured response to serious sexual harassment allegations against its Railway Koduru MLA, Arava Sridhar. Videos and complaints surfacing over the weekend have painted a damning picture of the legislator, prompting demands for his immediate suspension. However, the party's decision to form an internal committee and set a one-week investigation deadline has fueled accusations of foot-dragging from opposition quarters.
The storm broke on Sunday when the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) released a series of videos allegedly showing Sridhar in compromising positions with a woman who claims she was exploited under false pretenses. The woman, whose identity remains protected, filed a formal complaint with authorities, accusing the MLA of deceiving her with marriage promises, subjecting her to repeated physical and sexual abuse, and even assaulting her in an isolated location during one incident. Police have registered a case against Sridhar under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, including those pertaining to sexual harassment and assault, intensifying scrutiny on the Jana Sena leadership.
Sridhar, a key figure in Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan's Jana Sena and the alliance's government whip, has denied the allegations, terming the videos as "fabricated" and politically motivated. In a brief statement, he claimed the footage was doctored by rivals to tarnish his image ahead of upcoming local elections. "This is a vicious attack on my character and the party's integrity," Sridhar said, vowing to cooperate with any probe.
Jana Sena's response, announced late Monday, has done little to quell the outrage. Party chief Pawan Kalyan directed the formation of a three-member fact-finding committee to examine the claims, with a mandate to submit its report within seven days. Sources within the party indicate that the delay in suspension is deliberate, aimed at ensuring a fair inquiry rather than succumbing to "knee-jerk reactions" that could undermine due process. "We stand against any form of abuse, especially towards women, but rushing into action without evidence could set a dangerous precedent," a senior Jana Sena spokesperson told reporters, emphasizing the party's zero-tolerance policy on misconduct but highlighting the need for verification in an era of deepfakes and political vendettas.
Critics, led by YSRCP leaders, argue that the one-week timeline is a stalling tactic to protect an ally in the NDA government. "If Jana Sena truly champions women's safety, why the hesitation? This MLA has been exposed exploiting a woman for over a year—suspension is the bare minimum," tweeted YSRCP official handle, amplifying the viral videos that have garnered millions of views online. Women's rights activists and opposition figures have joined the chorus, staging protests outside the MLA's office in Railway Koduru and demanding swift justice. "The delay sends a chilling message to victims: your voice might not be heard if the accused wears a party badge," said noted feminist activist Vahini, speaking to local media.
The controversy arrives at a sensitive juncture for Jana Sena, which has positioned itself as a bulwark against corruption and moral lapses in politics. Pawan Kalyan, the party's charismatic founder and a major NDA pillar, has remained publicly silent so far, reportedly consulting legal experts. Political analysts suggest the episode could erode the party's clean image, especially among women voters who propelled the NDA to victory in the 2024 assembly polls. "Jana Sena's handling of this will define its credibility—act too slow, and it looks complicit; act too fast, and it risks internal dissent," observed commentator K. Raju.
As the committee's probe unfolds, all eyes are on Railway Koduru, a constituency long loyal to the alliance. Sridhar's fate hangs in the balance, but for now, the unanswered question lingers: Is Jana Sena's caution prudence or protectionism? The coming week will likely decide not just one MLA's career, but the party's moral compass in a polarized political landscape.
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