MS Shanker
The controversy surrounding actor Allu Arjun’s alleged involvement in the Sandhya Theatre stampede case has spiralled into a full-fledged political battle. With the case diary now public, it reveals that 18 individuals have been implicated, including Allu Arjun as the 11th accused.
The principal accused are the owners of Sandhya Theatre, but the state police’s sweeping approach has roped in everyone from security personnel to the producers of the movie, Pushpa 2. This expansive net of accusations has not only escalated the case but also turned it into a flashpoint for regional and political tensions.
The issue has taken center stage in the political arena, with Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy leveraging the assembly as a platform to rally support for his government’s stance. Adding fuel to the fire, AIMIM floor leader Akbaruddin Owaisi accused Allu Arjun of making an insensitive remark—that the stampede would boost the movie’s box-office performance—further inflaming public sentiment.
Congress MLA Bhupathi Reddy’s provocative comments have compounded the situation. By branding Allu Arjun as an outsider from Andhra Pradesh who lacks the “moral right” to criticize Telangana’s leadership, Reddy has reignited the divisive regionalism that marked the state’s bifurcation in 2014. Such rhetoric not only undermines the actor’s legal rights but also raises questions about the Congress party’s intent to exploit regional sentiments for political gain.
The Congress’ attempts to rekindle Telangana’s regional identity—a strategy once synonymous with K. Chandrasekhar Rao’s Bharat Rashtra Samiti (BRS)—seem calculated. However, KCR’s rebranding of his party for national ambitions has diluted its regional appeal, a fact underscored by the BRS’s dismal performance in the 2023 assembly elections. The Congress appears to be filling this void, albeit through questionable tactics that threaten to polarize the state further.
Bhupathi Reddy’s threat to ban Allu Arjun’s films in Telangana is a stark reminder of the dangers of mixing politics with cultural industries. It is worth noting that Telugu cinema owes much of its growth to the unified efforts of Congress and TDP governments in the past, which facilitated the industry’s migration from Chennai to Hyderabad. Threats against an industry figure like Allu Arjun jeopardize not only individual careers but also the state’s hard-earned reputation as a film production hub.
Hyderabad Police Commissioner C.V. Anand’s involvement has been pivotal. Known for his integrity and adherence to the rule of law, Anand has built a strong case against Allu Arjun, challenging the bail granted by the state High Court. However, the inflammatory remarks by political figures like Bhupathi Reddy risk tarnishing the police’s credibility and diverting attention from the legal merits of the case.
The victim’s husband has publicly stated that he did not name Allu Arjun as responsible for the tragedy, a declaration that raises serious questions about the fairness of the accusations. While fan frenzy can lead to chaotic situations, holding celebrities directly accountable for such incidents requires careful scrutiny. Political opportunism in such cases not only undermines the judicial process but also sends a dangerous message to the public.
It is imperative for Chief Minister Revanth Reddy to intervene and rein in party members making incendiary comments. The case should be allowed to proceed without political interference, ensuring that justice is delivered transparently and equitably. The spectacle surrounding Allu Arjun’s case serves as a stark reminder of the perils of politicizing legal issues, a practice that ultimately erodes public trust in both governance and the judiciary.
