In a stirring address that reverberated through the YSR Congress Party’s (YSRCP) central office in Tadepalli, former Chief Minister and party president YS Jagan Mohan Reddy rallied leaders and cadres from the united Kurnool district, igniting a renewed sense of purpose amid Andhra Pradesh’s turbulent political landscape. The gathering, a formidable assembly of ZPTC members, MPPs, the Mayor, corporators, municipal chairmen, vice-chairmen, mandal presidents, MLAs, MLCs, district presidents, and constituency in-charges—served as a testament to the party’s enduring grassroots strength. YS Jagan’s speech, delivered with unwavering conviction, framed YSRCP as a beacon of integrity and a bulwark against what he described as the “deceptive and authoritarian” rule of TDP leader Chandrababu Naidu.
The Roots of Resilience
Reflecting on the party’s origins, YS Jagan traced its roots to Nallakalva in Kurnool district, where, he said, “the first seed of YSRCP was sown—a seed nurtured by a commitment to our word.” This foundational promise, he asserted, transformed YSRCP into a political force defined by values and credibility. “From that day, you have walked with me, step by step,” he told the cadre, crediting their loyalty for the party’s rise. “Our ideology is built on trust and integrity—principles I hold dear, and which you have embraced alongside me.”
A State in Decline
YS Jagan’s address pivoted to a scathing critique of the state’s current administration. “The people believed Chandrababu would outdo the good we did,” he said, acknowledging the TDP’s victory 11 months ago. “But today, they see a regime sustained by daily falsehoods.” He accused Naidu of betraying public trust with unfulfilled promises, citing two budgets that delivered “zero progress” and a governance model mired in corruption. “Education, healthcare, and agriculture are in decline,” Jagan charged, pointing to Rs. 3,500 crore in pending Arogyasri dues, unpaid farmer subsidies, and stalled student reimbursements. “Transparency has vanished, replaced by a ‘Red Book regime’ of liquor shops, gambling dens, and mafia control over sand, soil, and mining.”
A Legacy of Trust
Contrasting YSRCP’s record, YS Jagan highlighted his administration’s reverence for its manifesto—a document he described as “a sacred text.” “Despite COVID-19 and economic crises, we fulfilled over 99% of our pledges,” he said, a claim met with resounding applause. “No other party can claim this. Our leaders can face the public with pride—a capacity unique to YSRCP.” He attributed the recent electoral setback to Naidu’s campaign tactics—pamphlets, bonds, and assurances that swayed voters—but insisted the tide was turning. “The people now see the truth,” he declared. “Chandrababu fears us because his failures are glaring.”
Accusations of Desperation
YS Jagan’s rhetoric grew sharper as he accused Naidu of resorting to undemocratic measures to cling to power. He cited the recent local body by-elections, where YSRCP secured 39 of 50 seats despite alleged interference. “Even a single YSRCP worker terrifies him,” YS Jagan said, alleging that Naidu’s desperation had birthed a climate of intimidation. He referenced the Ramagiri MPP by-election, where, he claimed, police acted as “worse than watchmen,” intimidating MPTC members and obstructing YSRCP’s efforts—culminating in the murder of party activist Lingamayya. “Why must a policeman stoop so low?” YS Jagan demanded, his voice rising. “This is the fear of a failing regime.”
A Call to Rise
Undeterred, YS Jagan issued a clarion call to his cadre: “Stand united. Be the voice of the people. Their discontent will pave our return.” He promised a “Jagan 2.0 governance” rooted in the same values that propelled YSRCP’s past successes, vowing steadfast support to every worker. “Challenges are temporary,” he assured. “In the next elections, the people will deliver a verdict that confines Chandrababu to single digits.” As the auditorium echoed with cheers, YS Jagan’s message crystallized: YSRCP’s fight is not just for power, but for a principled politics that Naidu’s “arrogant misrule” cannot extinguish. With Kurnool as its symbolic stronghold, the party stands poised to reclaim its mantle—its leader undaunted, its cadre resolute.
