Mahanadu Over Public Health? TDP Govt Accused of Covering Up Covid Case in Kadapa

Amid reports of a woman testing positive for Covid-19 at Kadapa RIMS, concerns are mounting that the TDP-led government may be attempting to suppress information ahead of the yellow party’s flagship event—Mahanadu, scheduled to be held in Kadapa from May 27 to 29.

According to reports on Friday, May 23, a 75-year-old woman from Chagalamarri in Nandyal district was admitted to Kadapa RIMS after testing positive for Covid-19. The hospital's superintendent, Dr. Ramadevi, confirmed to the media that the elderly patient was undergoing treatment for Covid.

However, in a conflicting statement, the Kadapa District Health and Medical Officer (DMHO) denied the diagnosis, claiming the woman was being treated in the Covid ward for lung-related ailments and not the virus.

This contradiction between two senior government health officials has sparked public confusion and raised questions about transparency.

On one hand, the TDP government has issued a public health advisory urging citizens to avoid gatherings amid rising Covid-19 cases. On the other, it is allegedly attempting to suppress news of a positive case in Kadapa to ensure high attendance at its large-scale Mahanadu event. Reports suggest that the ruling party fears the annual meeting could be a flop if public concern over Covid-19 keeps people away.

Political opponents have accused the TDP of hypocrisy for putting party interests above public safety by covering up a Covid-19 case to facilitate a large-scale political gathering.

So far, the state government has officially acknowledged only one active Covid-19 case in Visakhapatnam. Nationwide, India has reported 257 new cases since May 19, amid renewed concerns over a fresh wave of infections across parts of Asia.