Palnadu, Andhra Pradesh: Former Chief Minister and YSR Congress Party chief Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy launched a scathing attack on the Andhra Pradesh government, accusing it of political harassment and misuse of the police force. His remarks came during a visit to Rentapalli village in Palnadu district, where he participated in the unveiling of a statue of late YSRCP activist Nagamalleswara Rao and met with the bereaved family.
Speaking to the media, Jagan questioned the imposition of restrictions during his visit. “Why were barricades set up when I was only going to offer condolences?” he asked, alleging that Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu was resorting to diversionary tactics. He claimed that during a recent meeting in Podili, despite a crowd of 40,000, a small group attempted to incite violence, allegedly with political coordination. “False cases are being filed against YSRCP leaders while police selectively target opposition voices,” he alleged.
Jagan further expressed concern over what he termed as suppression of dissent and selective arrests of his party leaders. He pointed to the arrest of MLA Chevireddy Bhaskar Reddy as politically motivated and alleged coercion of statements against YSRCP leaders by using police officials. Referring to the arrest of senior journalist Kommineni Srinivasa Rao, he claimed it was a direct attack on press freedom. “The Supreme Court granting him bail is a strong rebuke to the current regime,” Jagan stated.
The former Chief Minister also criticised the TDP government for its alleged failure to uphold women’s rights, citing a recent incident in Kuppam where a woman was reportedly tied to a tree. “Only after Sakshi reported it did the state government respond,” he said, reiterating his party’s commitment to women’s welfare during their tenure.
Jagan warned that the trend of targeting political opponents and media would endanger democracy. “Today it’s Sakshi, tomorrow it could be any other channel. This unchecked political vendetta and abuse of power is alarming,” he concluded.