The war of words between civil supplies minister Kodali Sri Venkateswara Rao alias Nani and former minister Devineni Uma Maheswara Rao reached a new low as Nani, known for his brash and coarse language, hurled choicest invectives against Uma. There seems to be no place for sensible or constructive criticism in politics at the moment. It is as if the lowest one swoops in abusing his or her rival, the most effective leader he or she is considered.
Krishna district is seeing more of these vilest insults by rival politicians these days. Devineni Uma Maheswara Rao a couple of days ago called Nani “the minister of expletives (Boothula Mantri)”. Infuriated by this, Nani launched a barrage of insults against Uma as well as his political master TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu.
“Who is Chandrababu to bring me into politics? He himself is a beggar. It is NT Rama Rao, Harikrishna and Jr NTR to whom I am indebted to,” said Nani during a press conference. He also took strong exception to his being called “lorry driver” and “lorry cleaner”. He tried to demean Uma by saying his father sold sodas at Kanchikacharla.
Death threats
The minister also subtly threatened Uma that “one day he will be run over by a lorry driver as you are daily insulting me by calling names.”
Taking strong exception to this threat, Uma Maheswara Rao alleged that a demonic rule was going on in the state and political rivals are being threatened of death if they criticise the ruling party leaders. He said everybody knows in the state who is “the minister of expletives”. He also asked where is the “waste fellow” who promised distribution of fine rice from September 1. Reacting to this, Kodali Nani threatened that he would beat up Uma “at his own house” if he again called him “the minister of expletives”.
Long time rivalry
Kodali Nani and Devineni Uma Maheswara Rao have been rivals for a long time in Krishna district politics. Kodali Nani too was in TDP earlier, but later shifted to YSRCP. Since then, they have engaged in a war of words. So, no one can expect this fight will end in the near future. But this uncontrolled verbal war may have a secondary effect with supporters of two parties engaging in clashes. If these incendiary statements by leaders are not stopped, they are likely to vitiate the atmosphere in rural areas.
