Leader of the Opposition Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has accused the ruling coalition in Andhra Pradesh of deliberately stifling democratic debate by denying the YSR Congress Party its rightful recognition as the principal opposition.
He asserted that the government has no intent to hear the grievances of the people or allow their voice to be echoed inside the Assembly. “Earlier, when many suggested that we should deny the TDP recognition as the Opposition, we did not. We respected democratic conventions. But today, the same courtesy is not extended to us. The ruling parties want no dissent, no debate, no opposition,” Jagan said.
“Two Minutes is Not Debate”
YS Jagan criticized the manner in which the Assembly proceedings are restricted. He pointed out that even for exposing major scamsa and public issues—like the Super Six and Super Seven frauds, irregularities in medical colleges, and farmers’ distress due to lack of urea supply—it took him more than an hour in a press conference to lay out the facts with evidence.
“In the Assembly, they say we get only two minutes per MLA. How can we present the struggles of farmers, the collapse of education, or the failures in healthcare in two minutes? That is not debate—it is suppression,” he said.
Council Remains People’s Platform
Highlighting that the YSRCP still holds significant strength in the Legislative Council, Jagan called on members to actively raise issues there. “The Council is now the people’s forum. Our members must ensure that their voice is heard. The people are already asking whether this government even exists, given its apathy to basic governance,” he remarked.
Neglect of Core Sectors
YS Jagan underlined that the government has abandoned its duty in crucial sectors. “Education, healthcare, agriculture—these minimum responsibilities are ignored. Even law and order is deteriorating. The government is not only failing the people but also trying to silence anyone who questions its failures,” he said.
The Larger Question of Democracy
Framing the issue as one of democratic integrity, YS Jagan said that unless the YSRCP is recognized as the Opposition, the Assembly will remain hollow. “Recognize us as the Opposition and give us fair time. Only then will the Assembly reflect the voice of the people. Until then, we will continue to take their voice to the streets, to the media, and to the Council,” he declared.
