Why the Peddireddy Family Remains Silent?

The YSR Congress Party has gradually recovered from its Assembly election setbacks across Andhra Pradesh and is stepping up its opposition to the ruling alliance government’s policies. However, in the erstwhile Chittoor district, the party appears to lack the vigour and dominance it once commanded.

A major point of discussion in political circles is the complete silence being maintained by the Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy family.

While most YCP leaders in the district lost the recent elections, the Peddireddy family managed to secure victories. Their position changed significantly after the alliance government came to power and began intense scrutiny of the family’s activities.

The family is now reportedly on the defensive amid multiple cases and close monitoring by investigative agencies. Former minister Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy has become embroiled in several controversies relating to dealings during the 2019–2024 period.

High-profile incidents, including alleged land encroachments and the mysterious fire in the file room of the Madanapalle Sub-Collector’s office, created a statewide sensation.

Police investigations pointed to a possible conspiracy behind the burning of crucial files, with suspicion falling on Peddireddy, his family members, and close associates. Following the registration of cases, several key aides including Madhava Reddy and personal secretary Tukaram were arrested.

Although local alliance workers have expressed frustration that little visible action has occurred since the cases were filed over a year and a half ago, developments appear to be progressing behind the scenes.

Recently, the Annamayya District Collector issued orders cancelling the illegal registrations of ‘DK lands’ executed in the names of Peddireddy’s wife Swarnalatha and several benamis. Separately, an inquiry into the ‘Buggamatham’ lands where Peddireddy’s residence in Tirupati is situated has reached its final stages.

Sources close to the family suggest that Peddireddy is feeling the mounting pressure from multiple fronts, which explains his uncharacteristic silence and absence from public discourse.

Adding to the family’s troubles are ongoing probes into alleged illegal sand mining and other mining-related activities. Recent Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids connected to sand mining have further heightened political tensions in the Chittoor region.

In a separate development, forest officials have acted against the illegal construction of a farmhouse on encroached forest land in Pulicherla Mandal of Punganur constituency. Cases have been registered against Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy, his son (Rajampet MP Mithun Reddy), his brother (Thamballapalle MLA Dwarakanath Reddy), and his wife Indira. The department has also reclaimed the encroached land.

A vigilance investigation has also been initiated into the operations of PLR Infra, a company linked to the family. In another major probe, officials are examining roadworks valued at approximately ₹490 crore under the APRRP, with allegations that bills were claimed for incomplete or non-existent work. Field inspections of around 350 purportedly completed projects are reportedly underway.

Meanwhile, Peddireddy Mithun Reddy spent more than 70 days in Rajahmundry Central Jail after his arrest by the Special Investigation Team in a liquor policy case. Party insiders note that he has been noticeably less active since his release on bail.

With local body elections on the horizon, the Peddireddy family’s continued silence is causing concern within YSR Congress ranks in the region.