Amaravati Padayatra Row Returns After Officer’s New Appointment

The Andhra Pradesh government has appointed police officer Balachandra Reddy as Additional Superintendent of Police (Crimes) in Tirupati district, a posting that has generated political discussion due to his past role during the Amaravati farmers’ padayatra. Previously serving as a DSP in the Eagle wing, Balachandra Reddy was recently promoted and assigned to the key position. He had earlier worked as DSP of Ramachandrapuram in the Konaseema region between November 2020 and April 2023.

The appointment has revived discussions surrounding events that occurred during the Amaravati-to-Arasavalli farmers’ padayatra in 2022. Critics allege that strict restrictions were imposed on participants during the march and that police actions at the time drew controversy. Allegations were also raised by farmer groups and activists regarding the handling of the protest and related incidents. While supporters of the appointment point to his administrative experience and service record, opponents argue that past complaints should have been examined before assigning him to a prominent post. The development has once again brought the debate over policing and political protests into public focus.