Who’s Telling the Truth: The CM or the Actor?

Our Political Desk

The recent controversy surrounding Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and actor Allu Arjun over the tragic stampede at Sandhya Theatre has drawn sharp public and political reactions. The incident occurred during a promotional event for Allu Arjun’s much-anticipated movie Pushpa 2, resulting in a loss of life and injuries. The CM’s statements in the state assembly accusing the actor of irresponsible behaviour have added fuel to an already volatile situation. Let’s examine the facts and implications.

In his assembly address, Revanth Reddy condemned Allu Arjun’s actions, calling them reckless and dismissive of public safety. According to the CM, the stampede was a direct result of the actor’s failure to heed police warnings to leave the theatre as crowds swelled dangerously. An eyewitness account from AIMIM’s floor leader Akbaruddin Owaisi alleged that when informed about the stampede and loss of life, Allu Arjun reportedly remarked, “Ab tho film hit pucca hai” (Now, the film is surely a hit). If true, such a remark shows a shocking disregard for human life. The actor has denied the allegations, calling them an attempt at “character assassination” by political adversaries. Thus far, the issue has take political overtures.

The government has taken a hardline stance against Allu Arjun, charging him under stringent Nagar Palika laws that carry severe penalties, including imprisonment. Adding to the gravity, the CM announced that the government would cover medical expenses for the injured victims and support the future of a child who was severely hurt in the stampede. This gesture underscores the government’s intent to highlight the actor’s alleged culpability.

Police accounts suggest that after being requested to leave the theatre to control the crowd, Allu Arjun left in his car but not before opening the sunroof and waving to fans—an act viewed as provocative and in poor taste given the circumstances. The government argues that this behaviour not only flouted police directives but also aggravated an already chaotic situation.

Political observers believe the issue extends beyond the stampede. Revanth Reddy, known for his close ties to Andhra Pradesh CM Nara Chandrababu Naidu, is allegedly using this controversy to target Allu Arjun’s uncles, Pawan Kalyan and Chiranjeevi. Pawan Kalyan, Andhra Pradesh’s Deputy CM and leader of the Jana Sena Party, is an ally of Naidu. Some analysts suggest that Revanth Reddy’s actions are part of a strategy to embarrass Kalyan and by extension, weaken the BJP-Jana Sena relations in Andhra Pradesh.

In a further blow to the actor, Revanth Reddy declared that the government would no longer entertain requests for ticket price hikes, referencing the special permissions granted for Pushpa 2. This decision has sparked mixed reactions, with critics questioning its timing and intent.

The fallout from the Sandhya Theatre incident is far from over. While Allu Arjun maintains his innocence, the government seems determined to hold him accountable, both legally and politically. Whether this controversy serves justice or is leveraged as a political tool remains to be seen. For now, it highlights the precarious intersection of celebrity influence, public safety, and political power.