A distressing case of political exploitation unfolded on February 18, 2025, when a touching moment between former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy and a young girl, Devika Reddy, was twisted into a malicious propaganda campaign by the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and its media allies.
The Incident: A Genuine Moment Turned into Political Controversy
During YS Jagan’s visit to Vijayawada, young Devika, overwhelmed with emotion at seeing her leader, started crying out of fear that she might miss the chance to meet him. Displaying rare compassion, YS Jagan halted his convoy, comforted the child, and even took a selfie with her, leaving Devika ecstatic. This heartwarming interaction should have been celebrated as a moment of human connection. However, TDP and its ecosystem turned it into a vicious campaign against the innocent child and her family.
TDP&JSP’s Malicious Propaganda Against a Child
Rather than recognizing the sincerity of the moment, TDP&JSP and its affiliated media houses launched a barrage of misinformation. They falsely claimed that Devika’s family was wealthy, alleging that her father owned a gold shop and that they lived in a luxurious apartment in Devi Nagar. In reality, her father earns a modest salary, and the family resides in a rented home. The disinformation campaign didn’t stop there—further lies were spread that Devika attended the elite Delhi Public School when, in fact, she is a student at the local Ravindra Bharathi school.
This orchestrated attempt to defame an innocent child for political mileage is nothing short of exploitation. Using a minor to spread baseless allegations and assassinate her character constitutes psychological abuse.
Deputy Speaker Raghurama Krishnam Raju’s Disgraceful Conduct
Adding to this political attack, Deputy Speaker Raghurama Krishnam Raju openly mocked Devika’s emotional reaction on a television channel. He imitated her tears and dismissed her feelings as “drama,” trivializing a child’s genuine emotions. As a constitutional authority, Raju’s actions cross all ethical lines. His blatant insensitivity and spread of falsehoods amount to a public act of child exploitation, deserving of widespread condemnation.
TDP&JSP’s History of Attacking Children for Political Gain
This is not an isolated case. TDP has a history of targeting innocent children to score political points. A similar incident occurred when students from the Bendapudi Government School expressed admiration for YS Jagan. These young girls became the target of TDP’s vicious trolling on social media, their characters maligned in an attempt to delegitimize their voices. This pattern of using minors as pawns in political battles highlights the party’s moral bankruptcy.
The Need for Accountability
TDP&JSP’s desperate political tactics, involving the harassment and character assassination of minors, set a dangerous precedent. The exploitation of children for political gains is unethical and must be condemned. Those responsible for this coordinated attack—including media houses and political leaders—must be held accountable for their reprehensible actions.
Conclusion: Child Exploitation in Politics Must End
This disgraceful episode exposes TDP&JSP’s lack of moral integrity. Their reckless and cruel treatment of children not only harms the minors targeted but also degrades political discourse in the state. It is imperative that strong measures are taken to prevent such exploitation in the future. The political system must uphold ethical standards, ensuring that children remain protected from malicious propaganda and psychological abuse.
