Kodali Nani Faces Trial as AP Grants Prosecution Permission

The Andhra Pradesh government has granted prosecution sanction against YSRCP leader and former minister Kodali Nani in connection with a case related to remarks allegedly made during the 2021 Gram Panchayat elections. During the election code period in February 2021, Kodali Nani reportedly made controversial comments against then Opposition leader and current Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, as well as former State Election Commissioner Nimmagadda Ramesh Kumar. The State Election Commission had then termed the remarks a violation of the Model Code of Conduct and recommended action.

A case was registered against Kodali Nani by Gudivada police on February 16, 2021, under various sections of the IPC after obtaining court permission. Since he was serving as a minister at the time, prosecution sanction from the government was mandatory for the court to proceed with the case. After examining records and proposals received from the Krishna district administration, the government concluded that prima facie evidence exists in the matter and approved prosecution. Orders to this effect were issued by Home Department Principal Secretary Kumar Vishwajit.