YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Thursday launched a blistering attack on the N Chandrababu Naidu-led government in Andhra Pradesh, alleging that the state was under the grip of an “emergency-like” regime, marked by arbitrary arrests, curbs on Opposition movements, and an atmosphere of political vendetta.
The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) president, addressing a press conference in Nellore, cited the arrests of several party leaders and restrictions imposed on his own movements to accuse the state administration of stifling democratic space.
“Emergency-like circumstances are prevailing in Andhra Pradesh today and several incidents that are happening in the state will show it to your eyes,” said Reddy, shortly after meeting the family of senior party leader N Prasanna Kumar Reddy, whose residence was allegedly attacked by ruling party workers.
Jagan, who arrived in Nellore by chopper earlier in the day, also visited jailed party colleague K Govardhan Reddy and his family. He alleged that the government was misusing state machinery to prolong the incarceration of his colleagues by filing multiple cases.
“Govardhan was booked for forwarding information about his press conferences on WhatsApp, ‘illegal’ quartz mining, supporting construction workers protesting lack of sand, and other silly reasons,” he said, adding that while prime accused in the mining case had secured bail, Govardhan, listed as A4, continued to remain in jail.
He claimed that over 2,000 police personnel, including senior officials, were deployed not for his security but to “stop people” from attending his events. “Is it a crime to meet my own party leaders?” he asked, criticising roads being dug up and access blocked.
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On the attack on Prasanna Kumar Reddy’s house, the former chief minister said, “He would have been killed had he been at home.”
Reading out names of arrested or allegedly harassed YSRCP leaders, Jagan warned that the state was witnessing the sowing of “a bad tradition”, and asserted it could backfire once the TDP-led NDA coalition lost power.
Turning his ire towards the government’s policy and governance, he accused it of betrayal on poll promises, saying, “The NDA government has destroyed schools, removed English medium instruction and TOEFL courses.”
He further alleged that dues under the Aarogyasri healthcare scheme had crossed ₹4,000 crore, farmers were not receiving fair prices, and promises of free sand remained unfulfilled. He charged the administration with running a “liquor mafia”, where permit rooms sell at prices above MRP and police officials act as “collection agents” forwarding money “up to Naidu and Lokesh”.
Jagan also alleged that illegal poker clubs were thriving, with some in West Godavari district reportedly bribing authorities up to ₹1 crore. Referring to reports of land being allotted to obscure firms at as low as ₹0.99 per acre, he said the government was “giving away” the state to favourites.
"The government doesn’t last forever," said Jagan, exuding confidence that his party would return to power in three years. He also warned police officers toeing the ruling party line that they would be held accountable, irrespective of retirement or relocation.
“There will be a day when all those who are now harassing our leaders will be called and brought to justice,” he declared.
The TDP has not yet responded to the accusations.
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