Nani’s Loose Talk On Gambling Dens

The demeanour of some ministers in Jagan Mohan Reddy’s Cabinet is damaging the image of the government. Prominent among such ministers is Guidvada MLA Kodali Nani who frequently uses his sharp tongue to insult the Opposition leader and TDP president N. Chandrababu Naidu. At times, in his aggressive speeches, he even forgets about the insult he could cause to his boss, Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, and even Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Nani is known for speaking whatever comes to his mind. A day ago, police raided a gambling den allegedly being run by Nani’s followers at Gudivada in Krishna district and seized a huge amount of cash and arrested 33 people, apart from seizing many cars parked at the poker club.

After news of the raids spread fast in the media, the minister met Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy and later addressed the mediapersons.

In his usual manner, Nani spoke in a very reckless manner. Being a minister and a government representative, such loose talk is not expected of him. Further, his remarks are likely to push the YCP government into trouble which speaks of lofty goals and ideal governance.

So, let us see what he said.

When a mediaperson asked him if his supporters were running the gambling den as being said in the reports, Kodali Nani said, “May be, one or two persons might be there. So what if they are there? Would the accused in such cases be hanged to death? The arrested will be taken to the police station and then produced in the court. They will pay the fine and come out. If necessary they will go again to the court. Gambling is rampant only because there are no strict punishments awarded to the accused in such cases. It is for the same reason that the Jagan government has introduced Gambling Act to put a check on gambling. Is capital punishment awarded to the convicted in gambling cases? Even if my brother is accused in the case, will he be hanged to death? What will happen if I do not meet the Chief Minister? May be they will be asked to pay a fine of Rs 50 or Rs 100. Is there a need to run to the CM for covering up such petty crimes? I met the CM to speak about road works. I spoke to him about people’s problems.”

“The people in Gudivada voted me to power four times and I need to represent their problems. I go to the CM to speak about their grievances. Every day, the police catch people playing cards at 4-5 places in the state. Raids are very common on gambling dens. The Opposition leaders are simply trying to tarnish my image since the gambling den at Gudivada.”

The minister took light of the raids and arrest of those involved in gambling. His comments went viral as he said that gambling was a very common thing and that raids were regular practice, without any consequence.

There is criticism against the minister for speaking in a careless manner without having any responsibility towards the welfare of the people even while Jagan government shouts loud about development of the state and well-being of the downtrodden.