Tadepalli, April 9: Former Chief Minister and YSRCP President Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy launched a sharp attack on Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, accusing the ruling coalition of fostering a culture of impunity towards crimes against women and failing to ensure accountability in governance.
Addressing party cadre from West Godavari district on Wednesday, Jagan alleged that individuals making derogatory remarks against women are being protected by the government. He pointed to controversial remarks by media and political figures, stating that such behavior was neither condemned nor acted upon by leaders including Nara Lokesh and Pawan Kalyan.
He further claimed that the lack of action has emboldened legislators and even those close to ministers to target women, with complaints allegedly being ignored or cases being turned against victims. According to Jagan, this reflects a deeper “misogynistic mindset” within the ruling alliance.
Amaravati Push vs MAVIGUN Alternative
Jagan also criticised the government’s continued push for Amaravati as the sole capital, alleging that the project is being driven by vested interests and inflated contracts.
He proposed an alternative model, MAVIGUN (Machilipatnam–Vijayawada–Guntur corridor), as a more economical and practical capital development plan. The proposed corridor, he said, leverages proximity to national highways, the Bandar Port, and an international airport.
According to Jagan, MAVIGUN would cost nearly 10% of the estimated ₹2 lakh crore required for Amaravati, making it a financially viable option for the state.
Allegations of Corruption and Fiscal Mismanagement
The former CM accused the Naidu-led government of large-scale corruption, alleging that Amaravati contracts are being awarded at inflated rates of around ₹14,000 per sq ft, significantly higher than national averages.
He further alleged that mobilisation advances are being siphoned off as kickbacks, raising concerns about transparency in capital development.
On state finances, Jagan drew comparisons between his tenure and the current government. He stated that while his government borrowed ₹3.31 lakh crore, a substantial ₹2.74 lakh crore was directly transferred to beneficiaries through welfare schemes.
In contrast, he alleged that the current administration has borrowed ₹3.52 lakh crore within two years, with “no clarity” on utilisation, even as key electoral promises remain unfulfilled.
Welfare, Revenue Concerns and Political Warning
Jagan claimed that state revenues have declined due to alleged diversion of income streams in sectors like liquor, sand, and minerals by mafias operating under political patronage.
He also criticised the government for failing to implement its “Super Six” promises, stating that people across sections, including farmers, students, and women , feel “cheated.”
Signalling an aggressive political push ahead, Jagan announced that he would soon launch a padayatra, asserting that the YSRCP cadre would expose the government’s failures.
“War Against Evil Forces”
Framing the political battle in moral terms, Jagan said his party is engaged in a “fight against evil forces,” expressing confidence that public support and justice would prevail.