Chandrababu Naidu has spoken out against the midnight attack on top journalist Arnab Goswami. Taking to Twitter on Thursday, the former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister said, "Strongly condemn the attack on senior journalist Arnab Goswami. I urge all to refrain from resorting to violence and unnecessarily targeting journalists."

The tweet from the TDP chief comes more than a year after he joined hands with the Congress party to defeat the Modi-led NDA in 2019. Arnab Goswami has accused Sonia Gandhi of abetting the attack on him. As such, Naidu's criticism acquires some political significance.

More than the TDP leader, it's the BJP that has been unequivocal in backing the Republic TV chief. Former Maharashtra CM and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis said, "Democracy is all about Discussion, Debate, Discourse and Not of Suppression of Expression by indulging in violence! I strongly condemn the cowardly attack on senior editor Arnab Goswami. I request the State Government to please ensure strict action and punishment to the guilty."

Strongly condemn the attack on senior journalist Arnab Goswami. I urge all to refrain from resorting to violence and unnecessarily targeting journalists.#ArnabGoswamiAttacked #ArnabAttacked#ArnabGoswami @republic

— N Chandrababu Naidu #StayHomeSaveLives (@ncbn) April 23, 2020