Chandrababu Naidu's Skill Development Case Closure Unconstitutional
YSRCP PAC member and former minister Sake Sailajanath launched a blistering attack on the government over the closure of the Skill Development Scam case involving Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, terming the move unconstitutional, perilous, and a grave blow to democratic institutions.
Addressing the media at the YSR Congress Party office in Anantapur, Sailajanath alleged that Chandrababu Naidu is exploiting his position of power to systematically wipe out criminal cases registered against him. He said that after the FiberNet and liquor cases were allegedly nullified, the closure of the Skill Development Scam case marks a new low, despite what he described as overwhelming evidence and the Chief Minister’s earlier judicial remand.
Recalling the details of the case, Sailajanath said ₹371 crore of public funds were siphoned off through shell companies. He pointed out that Chandrababu Naidu was arrested and sent to judicial custody, while central agencies including the Enforcement Directorate had registered cases, arrested accused individuals, and seized assets. He also noted that Siemens had publicly clarified that it had no link to the project in question. “If the CID gathered evidence and the ED pursued the case, are all these investigations now being dismissed as false?” he asked.
Sailajanath described the decision to term such a serious case a “mistake of fact” and close it as the height of misuse of authority. He accused the Chief Minister of intimidating institutions, influencing witnesses, and dismantling cases one after another after returning to power, warning that it sets a dangerous precedent where a sitting Chief Minister effectively reviews and erases his own corruption cases. Such actions, he said, amount to a direct violation of constitutional norms.
He urged the Governor and the Andhra Pradesh High Court to step in immediately to safeguard institutions and uphold the rule of law, asserting that YSRCP will continue its legal battle against the closure of these cases.
Separately, Sailajanath demanded swift action against Anantapur Urban MLA Daggupati Venkateswara Prasad, alleging that his associates and armed aides threatened and assaulted an exhibition organiser while demanding extortion money. He criticised the police for their inaction despite a formal complaint being lodged with the SP, and questioned whether the law, Constitution, and governance still hold ground in the state when such incidents go unaddressed.
