2021 video shared as Chandrababu Naidu 'upset with NDA' before swearing-in ceremony

Chandrababu Naidu, the national president of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), took oath as Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh for the second time on June 12 at Kesarapalle, succeeding Jagan Mohan Reddy of the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP). This marks Naidu's fourth term as chief minister during his over four-decade-long political career.

What is the claim?

Following this event, a video began circulating on social media showing Naidu visibly upset inside what seems to be an Assembly hall, followed by him walking out. The video falsely claims it was recorded before the NDA's swearing-in ceremony. In the Telugu dialogue captured in the clip, Naidu asserts, "You have not even allowed me to make a statement. I want to clarify, I will enter this House only as Chief Minister. Otherwise, I don't need these politics."

Drawing parallels to the Kaurava Sabha from the Mahabharata, where Draupadi was humiliated, Naidu adds, "This is Kaurava Sabha, not Gourava Sabha. I won't stay in this Kaurava Sabha." He appeals to the public, "You should understand this humiliation and support me wholeheartedly. Namaskaram." The video concludes with another person saying, "Your destruction has started, and we will form a government."

The video was shared with Hindi captions implying Naidu was upset before supporting the NDA coalition government. Some posts even suggested Naidu did not intend to back the BJP. Archived versions of these posts can be found here and here. 

Screenshot of the viral social media posts. (Source: X/Facebook/Modified by Logically Facts)

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), recently won the Indian general election. Narendra Modi and other Members of Parliament (MPs) took oath on June 10. The TDP is part of the NDA.

However, these claims are false. The video of Naidu's outburst is not recent and is unrelated to the NDA's government formation or the recent swearing-in ceremony.

What are the facts?

Through a reverse image search, it was determined that the video dates back to November 2021. On November 19, 2021, V6 News Telugu posted (archived here) an extended version of the clip titled "Chandrababu Naidu Sensational Decision In AP Assembly." The timestamp at 0:02 matches the viral video.

Similarly, TV5 News reported (archived here) on the incident, sharing the video on YouTube with the title "UNSEEN VIDEO: TDP Chief Chandrababu Naidu Challenge in Andhra Pradesh Assembly." The timestamp at 0:54 matches statements from the viral video.

What was Naidu reacting to?

Reports from sources such as Hindustan Times and NDTV confirm that Naidu's reaction was prompted by alleged abusive remarks made by members of the then-ruling YSRCP. During the Andhra Pradesh Assembly's winter session on November 20, 2021, Naidu expressed anger over comments made about his wife, Bhuvaneswari. YSRCP member Ambati Rambabu's alleged remarks led TDP members to storm the podium and demand an apology.

After walking out of the Assembly, Naidu clarified during a press conference at the TDP's state headquarters that his reaction was due to the derogatory remarks made about his wife. He emphasized, "My wife never even entered politics. I always lived with honor and for honor. I can take it no more," according to NDTV.

The verdict

The video showing Naidu's emotional outburst dates back to a 2021 incident in the Andhra Pradesh Assembly. His reaction was in response to derogatory comments made about his wife during a debate on women's empowerment. This incident is not related to the NDA's government formation or the oath-taking ceremony on June 10.