In a sharp political attack, Andhra Pradesh's Information Technology Minister, Nara Lokesh, has accused the previous YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) government of plunging the state into severe financial distress. Lokesh, a prominent leader of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), claimed that between 2019 and 2024, public funds meant for welfare were diverted for luxury and personal comforts of the then Chief Minister, Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy.
Allegations of Extravagance Amid Public Struggle
Launching his critique on social media platform X, Lokesh presented specific figures to back his claims. He alleged that while the people of Andhra Pradesh grappled with unemployment and a lack of basic amenities, the YSRCP administration authorized extravagant spending. According to Lokesh, a staggering Rs 500 crore was spent on constructing a palatial residence for the Chief Minister, and an additional Rs 222 crore was used for his air travel.
"We're finally hearing the truth," Lokesh stated in his post. He emphasized that the core of governance deteriorated as resources were allegedly misdirected away from public welfare projects. The TDP leader argued that this financial mismanagement directly impacted the state's population, creating hurdles in securing jobs and essential services.
YSRCP's Fierce Counter-Attack on Credibility
The YSRCP was quick to retaliate, dismissing the allegations as baseless and personally targeting Lokesh's credibility. In a sharp response also posted on X, the party did not address the specific financial figures but instead questioned the minister's integrity.
"At such a young age in politics, you have already mastered the art of becoming a con artist in spreading cooked up lies," the YSRCP's statement read. This direct and personal rebuttal highlights the escalating tension between the two major political forces in the state following the recent change in government.
The Lingering Impact and Political Fallout
The exchange underscores the deep political rift in Andhra Pradesh and sets the stage for ongoing confrontations. Lokesh's allegations frame the previous five years as a period of fiscal irresponsibility, a narrative the new TDP-led government is likely to leverage. The YSRCP's strategy, in turn, appears to focus on discrediting the messenger.
This public spat goes beyond mere political point-scoring; it touches on serious issues of governance, fiscal accountability, and the prioritization of public funds. The claims of Rs 722 crore being spent on luxury items during a purported financial crisis are potent ammunition for the ruling party as it seeks to justify its new policies and audits. The controversy is expected to dominate the state's political discourse in the coming days, with both sides preparing for a prolonged battle over the narrative of the YSRCP's tenure.
