In a striking address to the media, Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, the president of the YSR Congress Party and former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, posed a direct question to the Chandrababu Naidu government: “Is gambling legal?” His remarks come in light of allegations that members of the TDP coalition have been involved in rampant gambling activities during the Sankranti festival across various constituencies, with approximately ₹2,000 crores reportedly changing hands.
During a press conference held at the YSR Congress Party’s central office in Tadepalli, Jagan accused Chandrababu and TDP legislators of colluding with police to facilitate these illegal operations. He challenged the government, questioning its role in encouraging such unlawful activities and asked, “Is this not a form of corruption? Is this not looting?” His comments reflect a growing concern over the ethical conduct of political leaders and the potential exploitation of the public.
Jagan further criticized the TDP leaders for attempting to maintain an illusion of integrity despite their evident corrupt practices. He pointed out that illegal liquor shops and permit rooms have proliferated in every village, with alcohol being sold at prices significantly above the market rate, effectively robbing the public. “Is this not corruption?” he pressed, highlighting the discrepancies that have emerged since Chandrababu’s government took over.
The former Chief Minister also shed light on the revenue generated from sand sales, stating that under his regime, the state treasury received an annual income of ₹750 crores. However, he accused the current government of misleading the public with promises of free sand while engaging in rampant corruption. Jagan lamented the doubling of sand prices under the TDP government, claiming that the money being siphoned off is lining the pockets of Chandrababu and TDP leaders rather than benefiting the state.
He expanded his critique to include the illegal extraction of natural resources, such as silica and quartz, alleging that the TDP mafia is operating without any licenses. “Is this not corruption?” he reiterated, emphasizing the need for accountability and transparency in governance.
On the topic of electricity procurement, Jagan highlighted a stark contrast in pricing, recalling how his administration managed to purchase electricity at ₹2.49 per unit, while the current government is reportedly paying ₹4.60 per unit. This discrepancy, he argued, exemplifies the financial mismanagement and corruption that has taken root since the TDP returned to power.
Jagan also questioned the costs associated with infrastructure projects in Amaravati, contrasting them to similar projects in cities like Hyderabad and Bengaluru, where costs are significantly lower. He urged journalists, democrats, and intellectuals to hold the government accountable for these corrupt practices.
Lastly, responding to questions regarding the participation of YSR Congress members in assembly sessions, Jagan stated that the assembly comprises only two parties: the ruling party and the YSR Congress as the opposition. He expressed frustration over the lack of recognition and time allotted to the opposition, asserting that the existing system stifles the voice of the people. “We must fight for opposition status to ensure that the voice of the public is heard,” he concluded, reinforcing the need for transparency and accountability in the political landscape of Andhra Pradesh.
