Former Chief Minister and YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) president YS Jagan Mohan Reddy met with senior party leaders, parliamentary constituency observers, and regional coordinators at the YSRCP Central Office in Tadepalli. In his address, YS Jagan emphasized the need to strengthen the party’s organizational structure, set electoral goals for observers, and sharply criticize the state government’s failures. Additionally, he praised the Indian Armed Forces for their recent strikes on terrorist targets, underscoring the importance of national security.
Support for armed forces’ anti-terror operations
YS Jagan commended the Indian Armed Forces for their decisive action against terrorist camps and hideouts, specifically referencing Operation Sindoor. “Strikes on terrorist targets are necessary to protect our country and its people,” he said, stressing that India must stand united against terrorism. He described the recent attack on tourists in Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam as a “cruel act and an assault on humanity.” YS Jagan affirmed the nation’s solidarity with the armed forces, stating, “The entire country stands behind our defence forces, supporting their efforts to ensure the safety of our citizens.”
Focus on party organization
In the review meeting with parliamentary observers and regional coordinators, YS Jagan acknowledged the observers’ capabilities, noting their selection was based on competence. He urged them to prioritize party-building, particularly at the grassroots level. “Focus on strengthening our structure from district to booth committee levels,” he said, emphasizing the importance of robust booth committees.
He instructed observers to work closely with regional coordinators, acting as their operational support. “You are their hands and feet,” YS Jagan said, highlighting the need for seamless coordination. He also directed constituency in-charges to remain accessible to the public, ensuring the party stays connected with its base.
Electoral accountability
YS Jagan set a clear challenge for observers: “Your performance will be judged by how many MLAs you help elect from the seven constituencies you oversee.” He promised that strong performance would lead to greater responsibilities and positions within the party, aligning rewards with results.
Critique of the Current Government
YS Jagan sharply criticized the ruling government led by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, asserting, “This government has no chance of returning to power.” He accused Naidu of failing to fulfill promises and engaging in widespread corruption, contrasting it with YSRCP’s transparent governance.
“Despite fulfilling our promises transparently, we faced setbacks. Imagine the fate of Chandrababu, who relies on lies and deceit,” YS Jagan said. He referenced Naidu’s unfulfilled promises from 2014 and the public’s rejection of him in 2019, when YSRCP’s padyatra built trust among voters.
Corruption and neglect
YS Jagan accused the government of dismantling YSRCP’s welfare schemes, stating, “Chandrababu has taken away the plates from the poor.” He highlighted the discontinuation of free crop insurance, farmer support programs like Rythu Bharosa, and affordable electricity for farmers. “We bought electricity at Rs. 2.49 per unit for farmers; now they pay Rs. 4.60,” he said, alleging pressure on the Andhra Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission.
He further alleged rampant corruption, including sand and soil mafias, illegal gambling clubs, and liquor sold above MRP. YS Jagan claimed land worth Rs. 1,500 crore and Rs. 3,000 crore was handed over at nominal rates, calling it a betrayal of public trust. “Education, agriculture, and healthcare are in ruins,” he added.
Farmers’ plight
YS Jagan emphasized the government’s neglect of farmers, noting the absence of minimum support prices (MSP) and crop loss compensation. He contrasted this with YSRCP’s policies, which included MSP enforcement, market interventions for tobacco and oil palm, and input subsidies. “We ensured fair prices and supported farmers during crises. This government has no focus on agriculture,” he said
Vision for Victory
YS Jagan expressed confidence in YSRCP’s return to power, stating, “There’s no doubt we will win.” He promised to prioritize party workers, ensuring their efforts are rewarded with prominent roles. “I don’t make false promises like Chandrababu. If I commit, I deliver,” he said.
He noted growing public discontent with the current government, observing that even non-political citizens were being targeted vindictively. “Wherever I go, our cadre and the public are rallying behind us,” YS Jagan said, citing widespread anger against Naidu’s administration.
Plans for Expansion
YS Jagan announced a grand plenary for next year to showcase YSRCP’s strength. He revealed that the booth committee formation would engage approximately 1.8 million members, creating a formidable organizational network. “Our cadre is energized, and the public is with us,” he said.
Reflections on governance and challenges
YS Jagan accused Naidu of running a “red-book constitution,” implying vindictive governance. He cited an incident in Tadipatri, where YSRCP’s own MLA was placed under house arrest during municipal elections to ensure fairness, contrasting it with the current government’s alleged destruction of workers’ properties and restrictions on opposition leaders.
He acknowledged the challenges of contemporary politics, stating, “We can’t do politics if we fear cases.” YS Jagan vowed to maintain integrity, referencing YSRCP’s efforts to curb excesses during its tenure. “We worked hard to keep politics clean, but Naidu has taken it to a deplorable level,” he said.
Commitment to workers and farmers
YS Jagan reiterated his commitment to party workers, promising, “This time, workers will be the priority.” He also outlined YSRCP’s past support for farmers, including MSP enforcement, additional bonuses like GLT for paddy, and timely subsidies. “We intervened in markets and supported farmers through crises. Now, nothing remains,” he said, criticizing the current government’s inaction.
Call to action
YS Jagan concluded by urging observers to channel public frustration into a movement for change. “The people are watching, and they will deliver their verdict when the time comes,” he said. He called for intensified efforts to rebuild the party and prepare for the upcoming plenary, confident that YSRCP’s organizational strength and public support would lead to victory.
