‘Failed as Chief Minister, Brother’: Naidu Targets Jagan Reddy
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu accuses the YSRCP chief of political intimidation and misinformation as local body election tensions escalate.
- Naidu criticises Jagan over alleged political violence
- TDP releases booklet detailing alleged election incidents
- SEC reopens nominations in four urban local bodies
- Local body polling scheduled across November and December
GG News Bureau
Amaravati, 24th Oct: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief N. Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday launched a sharp attack on YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) president Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, accusing him of failing in multiple public and personal responsibilities.
Naidu alleged that Jagan had failed as chief minister, political leader, son, brother and citizen. He also accused the opposition leader of pursuing vindictive politics, spreading misinformation and damaging Andhra Pradesh’s reputation.
The TDP chief further alleged that YSRCP members had resorted to violence and intimidation during local body elections, obstructing the democratic process. To support his allegations, Naidu released a booklet titled “The Same Violence, the Same Lies, the Same Anarchy”, along with videos of incidents he claimed were linked to the opposition party.
These allegations form part of the ongoing political confrontation between the ruling TDP-led NDA coalition and the YSRCP.
Naidu Defends Government’s Approach
Naidu accused Jagan of following what he described as a “hit-and-run” approach to politics by making allegations and filing court petitions without accepting accountability. He also questioned the YSRCP’s record in local elections during its previous tenure, citing unopposed victories.
“Violence and counter-violence are not our policy, but we will not retreat out of fear,” Naidu said, asserting that his government would uphold law and order and respect constitutional institutions.
On governance, the Chief Minister said political instability and election-related controversies were affecting Andhra Pradesh’s image among investors.
He defended his administration’s focus on welfare, development and investment, claiming that commitments worth approximately Rs 22 lakh crore had been secured for the state.
Naidu also urged voters to assess political leaders on their records and commitment to public welfare and democratic values.
Election Disputes Lead to Fresh Nomination Window
The local body elections have witnessed allegations and counter-allegations involving clashes, intimidation and obstruction during the nomination process.
Following Supreme Court directions, the Andhra Pradesh State Election Commission (SEC) reopened nominations on October 23 and 24 in four urban local bodies—Kadapa, Tirupati, Rajampet and Mydukur—after complaints that some candidates had been prevented from filing their nomination papers.
The revised election schedule sets November 1 for polling across 100 urban local bodies, with counting scheduled for November 3.
Meanwhile, Mandal Parishad Territorial Constituency (MPTC) and Zilla Parishad Territorial Constituency (ZPTC) elections are scheduled for November 3, followed by counting on November 5.
Gram Panchayat elections will be conducted in three phases on November 26, November 29 and December 2.
The election process remains a point of political contention, with allegations of intimidation and disruption continuing to fuel tensions between the ruling coalition and the YSRCP.