Andhra Skill Development Scam: Chandrababu Naidu Granted Interim Bail On Health Grounds

The Andhra Pradesh High Court has granted interim bail to Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief and former chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu in the alleged scam involving the Andhra Pradesh Skill Development Corporation.

The interim bail, based on the grounds of Naidu's deteriorating health, has been approved for a period of four weeks, extending until 24 November, as reported by Indian Express.

The High Court has instructed him not to engage in any activities except seeking medical treatment. Furthermore, Naidu is prohibited from using or speaking on the phone, participating in political activities, or speaking to the media during this period.

Naidu, who has been in jail for 53 days since his arrest on 9 September, awaits the main bail petition hearing scheduled for 10 November.

The TDP anticipates that it may take a day or two to complete the necessary formalities for Naidu's release from jail.

Upon his release, Naidu is expected to return to his home in Hyderabad for a brief period of rest, before resuming public engagements.

Concerns about Naidu's health were raised by his wife, Bhuvaneswari, and son, Lokesh, who cited the challenging living conditions in Naidu's jail cell, contributing to his deteriorating health and exacerbating a skin infection.

During Naidu's absence, his wife initiated a bus yatra demanding justice, while his son, Lokesh Naidu, temporarily suspended his popular Yuva Galam Padayatra but plans to resume it soon.

In light of Naidu's incarceration, Jana Sena Party's chief, K Pawan Kalyan, decided to forge an alliance with the TDP for the 2024 elections, setting aside the existing alliance with the BJP in Andhra Pradesh.

On Monday (30 October), the Andhra Pradesh Criminal Investigation Department filed another case against Naidu, alleging illegal permissions granted by him and his government to liquor companies.

The FIR, filed under the Prevention of Corruption Act, names Naidu as accused number-3. The case alleges a loss of Rs 1,300 crore to the state due to the waiver of fees payable by bars in 2016.