Tadepalli, May 8: In a fiery address to YSRCP local body representatives, party president and former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy declared that those harassing his party workers with false cases would face severe consequences when YSRCP returns to power. Speaking at the party’s central office in Tadepalli, Jagan accused the coalition government of oppressive tactics and vowed to deliver justice to his cadre, promising a “cinematic reckoning” for errant officials and police.
The meeting, attended by MPPs, Vice-MPPs, Municipal Chairpersons, Vice-Chairpersons, Councillors, MPTCs, and key district leaders from Annamayya, Chittoor, and Sri Sathya Sai districts, focused on the alleged persecution of YSRCP workers and the coalition government’s failures.
A Call for Resilience Amid Persecution
Jagan commended the steadfastness of YSRCP representatives in the face of what he described as unprecedented political vendetta. “I see your struggles and pain. I assure you, in Jagan 2.0, our workers will be our top priority, and we will ensure complete justice,” he said, addressing the harassment faced by party cadre for their loyalty.
He urged party members to remain united and work tirelessly for the next three years, predicting a triumphant return to power. “The coalition’s unethical politics and valueless governance will be their downfall. The people will teach them a lesson,” Jagan asserted.
Coalition’s “Immoral Politics” Under Fire
Jagan accused Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu of resorting to unethical tactics to undermine YSRCP’s dominance in local bodies. He cited instances of alleged manipulation in by-elections:
• Ramakuppam, Chittoor District: In a by-election following an MPTC member’s death, despite YSRCP holding all 16 seats, the TDP allegedly attempted to poach six members and used police to intercept YSRCP MPTCs, declaring their candidate victorious unilaterally.
• Roddam, Sri Sathya Sai District: With 15 YSRCP MPTCs, a by-election saw similar TDP interference, which Jagan termed “directionless politics.”
• Madanapalle and Rajampet Municipalities: TDP’s attempts to lure YSRCP councillors were rebuffed, with Jagan praising his party’s loyalty.“Chandrababu should be ashamed. Leaders must set an example, but he has stooped to new lows,” Jagan said, lauding his party’s adherence to values. “We never compromised our principles, even in power. That’s why we have the courage Chandrababu lacks.”
Governance Failures and Broken Promises
Jagan lambasted the coalition government for dismantling public welfare systems, particularly in education, healthcare, and agriculture:
• Education: The “Nadu-Nedu” school modernization program, English-medium education, and student tablets have been abandoned. Fee reimbursement and hostel support schemes, previously disbursing ₹3,900 crore annually, have been slashed to ₹700 crore last year, with no funds allocated this year, pushing students away from education.
• Healthcare: The Arogyasri scheme, requiring ₹300 crore monthly, and Arogya Asara have been neglected, forcing the poor to sell assets for medical expenses.
• Agriculture: Farmers face low crop prices, with tomatoes fetching as little as ₹2 per kg. Free crop insurance and input subsidies have been discontinued, leaving farmers vulnerable.“Chandrababu’s government has betrayed every section of society. People are questioning his unfulfilled promises—₹15,000 for children, ₹26,000 for farmers, ₹48,000 for the elderly, ₹36,000 for youth. He has no answers,” Jagan said.
Corruption and Diversion Tactics
Jagan alleged rampant corruption under the coalition, citing inflated power purchase agreements (from ₹2.49 to ₹4.60 per unit), land allotments worth thousands of crores to obscure companies, and unchecked liquor and sand mafias. “From belt shops to door-delivered liquor, corruption is unchecked. Free sand is a myth, and mining requires bribes to MLAs,” he claimed.
He accused Naidu of using “diversion politics” to deflect public anger, pointing to controversies like the Tirupati laddu issue and celebrity scandals. “He creates distractions because he can’t face the people’s questions,” Jagan said, alleging that media outlets like Eenadu, Andhra Jyothi, and TV5 are complicit in spreading misinformation.
A Promise of Accountability
Jagan issued a stern warning to officials and police involved in filing false cases against YSRCP workers. “Write down their names. When we return to power, we will hold them accountable, whether they’re retired or hiding across the seven seas. We will show them a movie they’ll never forget,” he declared, emphasizing that the retribution would be far from ordinary.
He contrasted YSRCP’s principled governance during the COVID-19 crisis, when it honored manifesto promises despite financial strain, with the coalition’s failures. “We won municipalities and corporations because we kept our word. Even when we had the chance to seize Tadipatri municipality, we chose ethics over power,” Jagan recalled, referencing the 2021 local elections.
A Vision for Victory
Looking ahead, Jagan exuded confidence in YSRCP’s return to power. “Three years will pass in the blink of an eye. If we stand strong and fight, the next government will be ours. The people will punish this coalition for its deceit,” he said.
He concluded with a message of gratitude and resolve: “To every one of you who stood firm like sacred tulsi plants in these trying times, I salute you. Your Jagan tips his hat to your courage. Let’s show Chandrababu the power of value-driven politics.”
