In Andhra Pradesh state politics, books have become symbols of revenge rather than instruments of justice . First came the Telugu Desam Party’s (TDP) Red Book during the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) regime. Now, YSRCP party chief YS Jaganmohan Reddy has unveiled a Digital Book while in opposition. Both were introduced as tools to document alleged injustices against their cadres. But the larger debate is: Are these books meant to ensure justice, or are they simply tools of vendetta politics?
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The Red Book and its Origins
During YS Jagan’s government, TDP accused YSRCP of filing false cases and harassing its cadre. Nara Lokesh popularized the Red Book as a symbolic weapon, promising that once TDP Party came to power, every act of injustice would be accounted for.
YS Jagan’s Digital Book
Now, as the opposition leader, Jagan has launched a Digital Book. Addressing party leaders, he urged cadres to document every act of injustice. He thundered that even if culprits are “across the seven seas,” they will be brought before the law when YSRCP regains power.
Revenge Politics – A Never-Ending Cycle
This cycle highlights a dangerous trend in Andhra pradesh state politics: whoever is in power uses the state machinery against rivals, while the opposition projects itself as a victim. Once roles reverse, the script flips, but the style remains the same. Such revenge politics undermines governance, development, and people’s trust in democracy.
Why These Books Exist
The Political analysts note that such books are less about justice and more about cadre morale. They serve as psychological assurance to party workers: “Do not worry, every injustice will be avenged once we return to power.” It is less about systemic justice and more about party survival.
Public Perception
Voters are increasingly frustrated. People elect governments for jobs, welfare, and development and etc– not for leaders to play revenge games. The debate over Red Book vs Digital Book symbolizes misplaced priorities. Citizens expect rule of law, not rule of vendetta.
TDP vs YSRCP: Mutual Accusations
TDP argues that during YSRCP’s five-year rule, its leaders and cadres were harassed, including former CM Chandrababu Naidu and his family. YSRCP now claims its own cadres are facing police harassment and false cases. Both sides blame each other, but the pattern is identical.
Editorial Stand
Andhra Pradesh cannot afford endless cycles of revenge. True justice lies not in Red or Digital books but in strengthening institutions, ensuring transparency, and delivering governance. If every ruling party only uses power to punish its rivals, democracy itself weakens.
The people of Andhra Pradesh State deserve politics of vision, not vendetta. From Red Book to Digital Book, the narrative may remain the same, but the lesson must change. Leaders must realize: power is temporary, but service to people is permanent.
✍️ By Veeramusti Sathish, MAJMC
