In a scathing attack on Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, YSR Congress Party President and former Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy accused the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief of dragging politics in Andhra Pradesh to a new low. Speaking at a high-level meeting with party observers for Parliament constituencies, Jagan Mohan Reddy alleged that the current coalition government, led by Naidu, is steeped in corruption, mismanagement, and betrayal of public trust.
Jagan did not mince words in criticizing Naidu's leadership, stating that the latter’s tenure is characterized by rampant corruption, nepotism, and the dominance of mafias linked to land, sand, and liquor. He added that key government assets, especially prime land parcels worth crores, were being handed over at throwaway prices to corporate entities favored by the Chief Minister. According to him, this is reminiscent of the TDP’s controversial governance practices during its earlier term from 2014 to 2019.
During his address, Jagan expressed deep concern over what he termed "Red Book governance," referring to a method of rule that, he claims, prioritizes personal and political gains over public welfare. He alleged that this model is being used to control officials, misuse government resources, and suppress political opposition. Highlighting public dissatisfaction, he claimed that people across the state have lost faith in the TDP-led coalition and are eagerly waiting for an opportunity to vote them out of power.
Jagan stated that the YSRCP is witnessing growing support across Andhra Pradesh. He emphasized the importance of strengthening party roots at the grassroots level and encouraged party leaders to engage closely with their constituencies. He told party observers that cadre must be given priority, promising that unlike Chandrababu Naidu, he will honor the commitments made to party workers and supporters.
Citing widespread anger against the coalition’s performance, Jagan said that his party’s outreach campaigns were being met with enthusiastic responses from the public. He also alleged that none of the promises made by the coalition had been fulfilled and that many welfare schemes initiated under his leadership had been scrapped. These included free electricity for farmers and subsidized public services. He pointed out the discrepancy in electricity procurement, claiming that his government had secured power at Rs 2.49 per unit through an agreement with the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), while the current administration is purchasing it at Rs 4.60 per unit, imposing an extra financial burden on the people.
He accused the government of handing over land worth Rs 1,500 crore to the Lulu Group and another Rs 3,000 crore to a private company at negligible prices. According to Jagan, these transactions lack transparency and reflect favoritism and a disregard for the state’s financial interests.
Furthermore, Jagan alleged that corruption has become institutionalized at the constituency level, with MLAs reportedly receiving cuts for every official transaction. He warned party workers not to be intimidated by false cases filed against them, claiming that the public is fully aware of the coalition’s misdeeds and will respond decisively in the upcoming elections.
Jagan also announced that the YSR Congress Party will hold its next plenary in a grand manner, symbolizing its readiness for a political comeback. He urged party leaders and workers to gear up for the electoral battle ahead, assuring them of a renewed focus on cadre welfare and public service.
In conclusion, Jagan Mohan Reddy expressed strong confidence that the YSR Congress Party will return to power in Andhra Pradesh. He reiterated that the coalition government has failed on all fronts be it governance, economic management, or welfare delivery. The former chief minister positioned himself as a leader committed to transparency, development, and the upliftment of the common people, contrasting sharply with what he described as the corrupt and elitist approach of the current ruling establishment.
With Andhra Pradesh heading towards another critical electoral phase, the war of words between Jagan Mohan Reddy and Chandrababu Naidu underscores the high political stakes and the deep polarization among the electorate. As both sides prepare for the 2025 elections, the spotlight remains firmly on governance records, fulfillment of promises, and the ability to connect with the common citizen.
