Published Oct 19, 2026 | 8:19 PM ⚊ Updated Oct 19, 2026 | 8:19 PM
Andhra CM Naidu launches attack on YS Jagan
Synopsis: Naidu’s remarks come a day after Jagan called for a complete overhaul of the Election Commission at the national and State levels.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu launched a fresh attack on YSRCP chief and former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, accusing him of “double standards” on election authorities.
“Did you not nominate the State Election Commissioner when in power? It was okay then, but now it is a problem? Aren’t they double standards? Earlier you supported the CEC appointment procedure, but now, since the Election Commission does not do what you say, you oppose it,” Naidu asked while speaking to the press at the Chief Minister’s Camp Office in Undavalli.
The Chief Minister’s remarks come a day after Jagan called for a complete overhaul of the Election Commission at the national and State levels, admitting that his party was wrong to support the NDA in pushing through the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023.
He said he opposed a system in which ruling parties could effectively choose the officials overseeing elections in which they themselves were contestants. Jagan said the same underlying problem affected State Election Commissions, where the Chief Minister should not have the power to appoint the State Election Commissioner.
He also called for transparent and impartial appointments to electoral bodies and alleged that the results of the last elections in Andhra Pradesh had been manipulated.
The Chief Minister also criticised Jagan for allegedly using Gen Z as political pawns. “Now you are saying Gen Z… Gen Z. You are not thinking about their aspirations. You are using them as pawns for your political gains. So that they spoil their future by joining you? Misguiding the people who are emotional and aspirational is their job.”
“Earlier too, if you see, they will lure a person to commit a crime, then secure his release and further encourage him to commit a bigger crime. Over time, he will be turned into a big criminal,” Naidu added.
VIDEO | Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu accuses YSRCP chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy of double standards on election authorities, alleges he is using Gen Z as political pawns for political gain; says support for constitutional authorities should not depend on political convenience. Naidu also alleges that factional leaders and criminal elements lure youngsters into crime and criticises political patronage of such elements, stressing the need to protect young people through character, discipline and values.
(Source: Third Party)
(Full video available on PTI Videos – https://t.co/bIyFWTfmBd)
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) October 19, 2026
During the press conference, Naidu also advanced an argument for a triple-engine sarkar, observing that the state is now being developed with the cooperation of the Central government.
He appealed to voters to elect alliance candidates, arguing that having the same government at all three levels—the Centre, the State and local bodies—would ensure uninterrupted development.
Naidu stated that direct elections have been introduced for the Mayor post to put an end to political defections (“Aaya Ram, Gaya Ram“) and prevent situations where only the wealthy can secure Mayor positions.
Addressing the perception that local body elections are treated merely as local affairs, the CM emphasised that every election carries equal responsibility.
“It is an opportunity for the people to choose leaders they like and who are capable of governance,” he noted.
Chandrababu claimed that over the past two and a half years, ₹1.56 lakh crore has been spent on welfare, with ₹74,000 crore allocated exclusively for pensions.
“All necessary benefits are being provided to empower families, and the ‘Super Six’ guarantees have been implemented as promised, disbursing ₹36,000 crore annually in slabs of ₹4,000, ₹6,000, ₹10,000, and ₹15,000.”
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(Edited by Sumavarsha)
