Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy is making a concerted effort to reconnect with YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) workers, addressing concerns that they felt sidelined during his tenure. In a bid to reassure his party’s grassroots supporters, Jagan has promised unwavering support, likening himself to the “eldest son” of every YSRCP household. As part of this initiative, he announced plans to tour each district, starting from Ugadi, to engage directly with party workers and strengthen their morale.
During a recent meeting with YSRCP leaders from the undivided Guntur district, Jagan accused the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) of attempting to seize control of municipalities and corporations where YSRCP previously held a majority. He further alleged that YSRCP workers in Hindupur, Tirupati, and Eluru were facing politically motivated attacks. Reflecting on the 2024 election results, he asserted that his party’s vote share was impacted not due to governance failures but because he chose not to make unrealistic promises, which cost him a 10% dip in votes compared to the ruling alliance. He reaffirmed his commitment to ethical politics, stating that he had always prioritized integrity in leadership.
Targeting TDP supremo Chandrababu Naidu, Jagan accused him of deceiving voters with impractical election promises. He questioned whether misleading the public should be considered an act of political fraud. Defending his tenure, Jagan highlighted that despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, his government successfully implemented welfare schemes through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), ensuring financial aid reached beneficiaries without middlemen. He criticized the current government for allowing the revival of illegal liquor outlets (belt shops), sand smuggling, and gambling activities, arguing that law and order in the state had deteriorated significantly.
Jagan also raised concerns over alleged political vendettas against YSRCP workers, claiming that many were being falsely implicated in legal cases. He warned that those responsible for such actions would be held accountable. Expressing discontent over increasing restrictions on social media, he accused the ruling government of stifling dissent. Assuring his party workers of a more proactive approach under “Jagananna 2.0,” he pledged to stand firmly with them and focus on strengthening the YSRCP cadre in the coming days.
Taking a swipe at Chandrababu Naidu, Jagan recalled how the TDP leader once ridiculed even senior citizens for supporting welfare schemes, yet now sought suggestions on wealth generation. He concluded by warning that public dissatisfaction with the current administration was rising and cautioned that if governance continued in this direction, people would soon take to the streets in protest.
