Cyclone Montha is wreaking havoc along the Andhra Pradesh coast. Heavy to very heavy rainfall continues as the storm nears landfall. Officials expect it to cross between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam tonight.
The state administration is on full alert to protect lives and reduce damage. Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and IT Minister Nara Lokesh are monitoring the situation from the Real Time Governance Centre, issuing directions to district officials. Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan is also reviewing the situation regularly.
Naidu held a teleconference with coalition MPs, ministers, and MLAs, asking them to assist people in every affected area. He urged party leaders, legislators, and workers to remain available for relief operations and support those in need.
Photos of Naidu and Lokesh in the War Room were shared with the media. Soon after, YSR Congress social media teams began mocking the images online. The reaction has sparked criticism, with many calling it a new low in Andhra Pradesh politics.
Observers say leaders are expected to keep the administration alert and oversee relief efforts, not stand in the middle of a storm. TDP supporters point out that Naidu was mocked even during his on-ground work after the Vijayawada floods in 2024. They accuse opponents of shifting positions only to criticise the government.
Meanwhile, TDP supporters question why Jagan Mohan Reddy is staying in Bengaluru when Andhra Pradesh faces a severe cyclone threat.
