In a fiery political confrontation, YSR Congress Party president and former chief minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy launched a scathing critique against current chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday, accusing him of "murdering democracy" and permitting what he termed as "jungle rule" to dominate Andhra Pradesh. The remarks came after Jagan visited the family of former minister Ambati Rambabu, who was recently arrested in Guntur, pledging unwavering party support to them.
Allegations of Targeted Attacks on YSRCP Leaders
Addressing the media, Jagan Mohan Reddy asserted that YSRCP leaders have been systematically targeted and assaulted for daring to question the government's actions. He highlighted specific incidents involving prominent figures such as Ambati Rambabu, Jogi Ramesh, Vidadala Rajini, and Bolla Brahmanaidu, describing these attacks as "heinous" and driven by political motives. Jagan pointedly questioned what alleged wrongdoings leaders like Ambati Rambabu, Bhumana Karunakar Reddy, and Kakani Govardhan Reddy had committed to warrant such aggressive responses from authorities.
Details of the Ambati Rambabu Incident
Referring to the attack on Ambati Rambabu, Jagan provided a detailed account, claiming that TDP workers intercepted him with sticks and rods near a temple, subjected him to verbal abuse, and vandalized his vehicle. He alleged that this occurred in full view of police personnel, who failed to intervene and instead harassed YSRCP leaders, raising serious concerns about law and order under the current administration.
False Propaganda Over Tirumala Laddu Ghee
Jagan Mohan Reddy further accused the TDP leadership of orchestrating a deliberate campaign of misinformation regarding the alleged mixing of animal fat in Tirumala laddu ghee. He claimed that chief minister Chandrababu Naidu and deputy chief minister Pawan Kalyan attempted to undermine the sanctity of the Tirumala temple by spreading rumors about the use of cow, pig, and fish fat. Jagan countered these allegations by citing central laboratory reports, which he stated clearly indicated no animal fat was detected in the ghee. He emphasized that this finding was also documented in a chargesheet filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) before the Supreme Court, lending credibility to his assertions.
Questions Over CBI Chargesheet and Accountability
Jagan raised critical questions about the CBI's investigation, noting that if there were any genuine wrongdoing, why were individuals like YV Subba Reddy or Karunakar Reddy not named in the chargesheet. He highlighted that Subba Reddy himself had requested a CBI probe, suggesting inconsistencies in the handling of the case. Jagan accused the ruling coalition of persisting with false narratives and provocative displays even after official clarifications had been issued, indicating a pattern of deliberate misinformation.
Warning and Future Political Strategy
Issuing a stern warning to the government, Jagan Mohan Reddy declared that the YSRCP is poised to return to power within the next three years. He promised to pursue legal action against those responsible for the alleged injustices, vowing that they would be held accountable "with interest." This statement underscores the party's resolve to challenge the current administration through both political and legal avenues, setting the stage for intensified confrontations in Andhra Pradesh's political landscape.