Jagan Mohan Reddy announced that he will file defamation cases against newspapers — Eenadu and Andhra Jyoti — for a sum of ₹100 crore. Reddy accused the publications of distorting facts and attempting to tarnish his image with false reports.
Published Nov 28, 2024 | 7:41 PM ⚊ Updated Nov 28, 2024 | 7:41 PM
YS Jaganmohan Reddy sharply criticised the current government under Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, accusing it of failing to deliver on promises
Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Thursday, 28 November, dismissed allegations linking him to the alleged Gautam Adani-owned firm bribery case in the US. “My name should not be mentioned in this. Anyone connecting me to it must be a fool. I have never been involved,” Jagan said at a press conference.
He also sharply criticised the current government under Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, accusing it of failing to deliver on promises and reversing progress made in the last five years.
Speaking to the media at the Tadepalli central office on 28 November, Reddy highlighted what he called the “painful conditions” in the state under Chandrababu’s rule.
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He pointed out that, despite the promises of welfare and guarantees, the administration had instead been marked by corruption and a lack of implementation of key policies.
Jagan Mohan Reddy emphasised that his priority was securing affordable power for the state, not the method by which SECI procures the energy. “I am not bothered how SECI gets the power, as long as they supply it to us. Why would SECI need to give incentives—implying bribes—to anyone?” he asked, rejecting any suggestions of wrongdoing.
“I give the cheque to SECI. From where it gets the power doesn’t concern me,” Reddy said, underscoring that the state’s focus was on securing the best possible deal for its people. “I have created wealth for the state by accepting SECI’s offer. The state would have saved ₹1 lakh crore over 25 years, at a rate of ₹4,400 crore per annum,” he added.
Reddy pointed out that had he not accepted SECI’s offer, there would have been further political criticism. “Had I not accepted the offer, what would you have said? Do you think the TDP would have remained quiet?” he questioned, implying that political opponents would have criticised the decision had it been rejected.
The former chief minister highlighted that SECI itself had praised the state government’s commitment to farmers and wanted to be part of the state’s efforts to promote sustainable energy. The corporation offered solar power at an unprecedented rate of ₹2.49 per unit and waived inter-state transmission charges, making it the most affordable power deal in the state’s history. “What should I have done? Throw the offer letter in the dustbin?” he said, dismissing any criticism of the agreement.
Addressing rumours about a ₹1,700 crore payment allegedly linked to the deal, Reddy called the allegations “baseless.” He stated that his name did not appear in any documents, including those filed in U.S. courts, which mentioned “incentives,” implying bribes. “My name is not there anywhere. No document filed in the US court mentions ‘incentives’ related to me,” he clarified.
The former chief minister also addressed claims linking the deal to business magnate Adani, questioning the validity of such claims. “How is Adani connected to this? If someone names someone in a document in the U.S., does it hold water?” he said. “I can ask CID to name Joe Biden in a deal in Andhra Pradesh—does that make it true?”
When questioned about the involvement of Adani, Reddy firmly stated that meetings between industrialists and businessmen were not uncommon, especially during industrial summits held to attract investments. “Adani’s projects are there in the state, but that does not imply any wrongdoing,” he said, reinforcing that there was no link between the SECI deal and any illicit activity.
“Adani meeting me is not something out of ordinary. He would have met me several times during my five years regime,” Reddy said.
Reddy maintained his stance on the integrity of the deal, asserting that he had no role in any illicit activity and reaffirmed that he was “clean.” His comments come amid growing media scrutiny and political attacks over the SECI agreement, which has become a focal point of controversy.
Jagan Mohan Reddy announced that he will file defamation cases against the newspapers Eenadu and Andhra Jyoti for a sum of ₹100 crore. Reddy accused the publications of distorting facts and attempting to tarnish his image with false reports.
Reddy strongly denied allegations of corruption related to a deal with the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI). He stated that there was no involvement of any third party in the agreement, which he described as transparent and beneficial for the state.
“I will file defamation cases against Eenadu and Andhra Jyoti for ₹100 crore. They have deliberately distorted the facts and maligned my image,” Reddy said. “There is no third party involved in the deal with SECI. The deal was between the Andhra Pradesh government and the Discoms. SECI offered solar power at a rate of ₹2.49 per unit, which is the cheapest tariff ever offered to the state.”
“I witnessed the hardships during my Padayatra. In response, we brought revolutionary changes in the last five years of governance, working for the betterment of every household,” Reddy stated. “But now, we are witnessing those efforts being undone.”
Reddy further accused the coalition government of regressing the state, calling it a time of “regression” and criticising the “Red Book governance,” which he claimed was undermining the Constitution.
He also expressed concern over the failure of the current administration to provide assurances to the people, particularly through the state budget.
Adding to his list of grievances, Reddy pointed out the proliferation of corruption scandals, including liquor and sand scams, and the rising visibility of gambling clubs across the state. “This is a very troubling situation,” he said, expressing his concern for the state’s future under the current leadership.
(Edited by Ananya Rao with inputs from Raj Rayasam)
