The ongoing controversy surrounding the repeated targeting of Raavan has reportedly become a matter of concern within the Telugu Desam Party.
While the alliance initially viewed it as a law and order issue, many in the party now fear it is gradually being seen as a confrontation between Kapus and Dalits.
The growing backlash on social media has only added to these concerns.
Party leaders are said to be questioning why the TDP should risk alienating Dalit voters over actions that are widely being associated with Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan and his party.
Many Dalits are drawing comparisons with the treatment of Dr. Sudhakar during the previous YSR Congress government. At that time, the present ruling alliance had strongly criticized the then government.
The irony, according to many Dalit voices, is that the current administration is now being accused of subjecting a Dalit voices to even greater and worse harassment.
Several leaders in TDP believe that had Raavan been arrested once and the matter handled through legal procedures, the issue might not have escalated.
Instead, the repeated attempts to arrest him and reports of Jana Sena supporters gathering outside police stations to man handle Raavan taking a chance, have created an impression that law and order is taking a back seat to political emotions.
“Political leaders are expected to exercise restraint when faced with criticism. As Deputy Chief Minister, Pawan Kalyan is expected to respond as a statesman rather than as a film star backed by emotional fans”, commented a TDP leader.
It remains to be seen whether Chandrababu Naidu steps in to contain the damage with his vast political experience.
Leaving the issue entirely to the Jana Sena leadership could prove costly, as Naidu is ultimately the face of the alliance government.
Any prolonged fallout is likely to reflect more on his administration than on any coalition partner.
