In a scathing attack on former Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, the President of Y.S.R. Congress Party (YSRCP), accused him of running a “jungle raj” in Andhra Pradesh, characterized by a reign of terror that has effectively “murdered democracy.” Reddy asserted that the current political climate is one of fear and intimidation, calling for a robust response from the party against any further acts of violence and oppression.
Reddy emphasized the importance of holding Naidu accountable for the alleged misuse of power, stating, “If incidents like these happen again, we will not stand by idly. We will definitely respond, and if necessary, we will call for a statewide bandh.” He warned that the situation could escalate if the ruling party continues its oppressive tactics, urging Naidu to heed the warnings being issued.
The former chief minister’s comments were made in light of recent incidents where YSRCP leaders and supporters were reportedly attacked. Reddy specifically highlighted the violence against former minister Ambati Rambabu, whose house and office were vandalized by individuals allegedly associated with the Telugu Desam Party (TDP). He visited Rambabu’s residence to express solidarity and support to his family, reiterating the need for justice and accountability.
Reddy also addressed the controversy surrounding allegations made by Naidu regarding the Tirumala laddu offering, which claimed it was contaminated with animal fat. He refuted these claims, citing reports from reputable national laboratories that provided clean certificates, including those from the National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI) and the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB). Reddy criticized Naidu for not only making baseless accusations but also for failing to apologize after these claims were disproven.
“Chandrababu Naidu’s false allegations have tarnished the sanctity of the Tirumala laddu and have been proven wrong by the very institutions he relies on,” Reddy said, calling for Naidu to stop spreading misinformation and focusing on governance instead. He accused Naidu of using defamation as a political tool and warned that such tactics will not deter the YSRCP from standing up for its members and the truth.
The YSRCP leadership has expressed deep concern over the deteriorating law and order situation in the state, claiming that the police have been complicit in the violent acts perpetrated against their party members. Reddy criticized the inaction of law enforcement during attacks and questioned their commitment to maintaining public safety. He argued that the police’s failure to intervene during the vandalism shows a systemic problem within the state’s governance.
Highlighting the need for urgent reform, Reddy called on the government to address the issues affecting the common people, such as unemployment, healthcare, and agriculture support. He urged Naidu to focus on delivering on his promises instead of engaging in political drama and misinformation. “The people of Andhra Pradesh deserve better than this jungle raj; they deserve a government that works for them,” Reddy concluded.
The political tensions are expected to escalate as the YSRCP prepares to mobilize its supporters in response to the recent violence and continues to challenge Naidu’s leadership. Reddy’s passionate appeal for unity and action reflects a broader call for accountability in the state’s political landscape, emphasizing the need for justice and a government that prioritizes the welfare of its citizens above political gamesmanship.
