Amaravati, July 1: YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) president and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy on Wednesday made one of his strongest political statements ahead of the next Assembly elections, linking the state’s capital issue directly to the electoral battle.
Addressing a press conference, Jagan declared, “If you stand with Amaravati capital, vote for TDP. If you stand with Mavigun capital, vote for YSRCP.” The statement comes as the debate over Andhra Pradesh’s capital continues to remain one of the state’s biggest political issues.
Along with the capital issue, Jagan launched a sharp attack on the TDP-led government, accusing it of weakening law and order, targeting political opponents and failing to protect farmers.
Jagan Links Capital Issue to Elections
Jagan said the upcoming elections would give people an opportunity to decide the future of Andhra Pradesh’s capital.
He urged voters to choose based on their stand on the capital issue. According to him, those who support Amaravati should vote for the TDP, while those who support Mavigun should vote for the YSRCP.
The remark is expected to add fresh political momentum to the ongoing debate over the state’s capital.
Alleges ‘Rule of Fear’ in Andhra Pradesh
Jagan alleged that Andhra Pradesh is witnessing a “rule of fear” instead of the rule of law.
He claimed that people who question the government face pressure and intimidation. He also alleged that the police and administrative machinery are being misused against political opponents.
According to Jagan, democratic values are under threat and the government must ensure equal justice for everyone.
Raises Custodial Death Concerns
The former Chief Minister referred to the alleged custodial deaths of Sai Krishna and Kranthikumar.
He questioned why senior police officials had not been held accountable. He also alleged that some families were not properly informed after the deaths.
These allegations have not been independently verified, and the Andhra Pradesh government had not responded to them at the time of publication.
Questions SIR Process
Jagan also raised concerns over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
He alleged that the names of YSRCP supporters were being removed from the voter list during the revision process.
He urged authorities to ensure that every eligible voter receives a fair opportunity to vote.
Targets Government Over Amaravati and Farmers
Jagan criticised the government’s handling of Amaravati and alleged that farmers who refused to part with their land were facing harassment.
He also claimed that authorities ignored illegal activities by some ruling party leaders while filing cases against YSRCP leaders who supported affected farmers.
Turning to agriculture, Jagan accused the government of failing to support tobacco and mango farmers.
He further claimed that welfare initiatives introduced during the previous YSRCP government, including Rythu Bharosa Kendras (RBKs) and free crop insurance, had weakened under the current administration.
‘Save Andhra,’ Says Jagan
Ending his press conference, Jagan expressed concern over the state’s political and administrative situation and said, “Hey Ram… Save Andhra.”
He called on the Chandrababu Naidu government to answer the issues raised during the press conference and demanded accountability on law and order, farmers’ welfare and governance.