By Amaravati, April 23 – In a firm statement signaling the government’s commitment to administrative accountability, Andhra Pradesh Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha said that officers who misused their powers during the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) regime are now facing the consequences of their actions. Speaking at a press briefing in the Secretariat on Monday, Anitha highlighted that the government has begun taking action against those involved in corruption, misuse of authority, and violations of law under the previous administration.
“This is not political vendetta. This is a constitutional course correction,” Anitha declared. “Those who used their positions to serve political interests, harass innocent citizens, and suppress opposition voices will now have to face justice.”
A New Chapter of Accountability
The Minister emphasized that the current government, under Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s leadership, is committed to restoring faith in public institutions by ensuring transparency, impartiality, and integrity in governance. As part of this initiative, several inquiries have been reopened into the conduct of certain bureaucrats and senior officers who served under the YSRCP administration.
“Every officer is bound by service rules and constitutional obligations. Unfortunately, during the previous government, many officials acted as political agents rather than public servants. That era is over,” Anitha said.
Probes and Investigations Underway
Anitha informed that the Home Department has already identified a list of officers whose actions have raised serious concerns. These include cases related to unlawful arrests of political opponents, illegal tapping of phones, manipulation of government tenders, and tampering of land records. Some senior police officers and district administrators are reportedly under the scanner.
Special review committees have been formed to re-evaluate decisions made by these officials, and their reports are now being studied by legal and administrative experts. Where necessary, cases are being referred to the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), Vigilance Commission, and other statutory bodies for detailed investigation.
The Minister made it clear that no one would be spared if found guilty, regardless of rank or connections. “Accountability is not selective. It is absolute,” she said.
Officials Misusing Power Will Be Prosecuted
Anitha stated that the government has already begun disciplinary action against a few officers, including suspensions and departmental inquiries. She assured the public that those who violated service norms or colluded with political actors would be prosecuted under the law.
“We are following due process. All actions are based on evidence and reports from authorized bodies. This is not retribution. It is the restoration of democratic and lawful governance,” she explained.
The Home Minister also warned serving officials to maintain neutrality and avoid falling into political traps. She said the administration is being rebuilt on the foundation of merit, honesty, and service.
Rebuilding Public Trust
Civil society groups and retired administrators have welcomed the government’s efforts. Many believe that the excessive political interference in bureaucracy under the previous regime had weakened the institutional integrity of the state.
“A transparent and accountable system is essential for democracy. What is happening now is an important step to bring back public confidence,” said a retired IAS officer who preferred to remain anonymous.
Anitha said the government is committed to protecting whistleblowers and officers who were sidelined for standing up against corruption in the past. “We are not only punishing the guilty but also honoring the honest,” she said.
Opposition Cries Foul
Predictably, the YSR Congress Party has hit back, accusing the government of targeting officers for political reasons. Former ministers of the YSRCP alleged that the current government is using inquiries as a tool of intimidation. They claimed that several officers being targeted had simply followed lawful orders during their tenure.
Responding to the allegations, Anitha dismissed them as baseless. “If everything was lawful, what are they afraid of? The system is working independently. If someone is innocent, the investigation will prove it. But we won’t stop just because the accused belonged to a certain government,” she added.
A Warning and a Vision
Concluding her address, the Home Minister sent out a clear message to all government servants — integrity is the only shield. “We are building an administration that puts people before politics. Officers must choose which side of history they want to stand on,” she said.
Anitha also added that her department will soon introduce internal reforms to ensure such misuse of power doesn’t recur in the future. These include stricter performance audits, transparency mechanisms, and protection for officers acting in public interest.
“This is a new beginning for Andhra Pradesh — one where truth, transparency, and justice will lead the way,” she said.
