Leaders of several political parties visited the protest site in solidarity with Jagan Mohan Reddy and called for action.
Published Jul 24, 2024 | 3:04 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 24, 2024 | 3:49 PM
YSRCP chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy and SP president Akhilesh Yadav at the YSRCP protest site in Delhi. (X)
Former Andhra Pradesh chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Wednesday, 24 July, staged a protest in Delhi alleging rising violence, particularly against YSRCP workers, in the state.
At Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, the YSRCP chief displayed numerous photos and videos of violence in Andhra Pradesh and accused the ruling TDP of having a vendetta against his party.
He recounted numerous cases of murder, assault, and vandalism and called upon the country to save democracy in the state.
Leaders of several political parties visited the protest site in solidarity with Jagan Mohan Reddy and called for action against the “violence”.
The YSRCP also released a document titled “Narasura Rakta Charitra 4.0“, highlighting the incidents of violence in Andhra Pradesh under the recently elected Chandrababu Naidu-led dispensation.
Jagan Mohan Reddy alleged that since the TDP coalition government came to power, “there was no protection for life, limb, and the dignity of the people”.
Slamming state Minister Nara Lokesh, he said: “Due to the unleashing of self-styled ‘Red Book’ governance by TDP Government, policing is made ineffective”.
Lokesh, ahead of the state election, had said that he had been keeping tabs on the officials who were acting against the TDP on a “Red Book” and would take action against them upon attaining power.
“In just 45 days of the new regime, more than 30 people have been murdered, 300 plus murder attempts have been made, 35 people have committed suicide due to TDP harassment, 560 private properties have been destroyed, 490 government properties have been vandalised, nearly 2,700 families have left their homes and villages and over 1,050 incidents of violence and attacks have been reported,” he said.
Today, I would like to draw your attention to a grave concern that threatens the very spirit of our democracy and the principles of justice and equality that our nation stands for.
In the last 45 days, the state of Andhra Pradesh has witnessed a series of unprecedented atrocities…— YS Jagan Mohan Reddy (@ysjagan) July 24, 2024
Lok Sabha MP and Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav expressed concern over the current condition in Andhra Pradesh and drew parallels to Yogi Adityanath’s governance in Uttar Pradesh.
“The Samajwadi Party cannot stand with such a culture of intimidation,” former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav said.
Expressing solidarity with the victims of the recent political violence in Andhra Pradesh, he maintained that fearmongers won’t stay in power for long.
Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) Rajya Sabha MP Abdul Wahab, from Kerala, condemned the violence against YSRCP workers in Andhra Pradesh.
He expressed solidarity with the YSRCP protest stating that he wholeheartedly supports Jagan Mohan Reddy.
Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) president and Chidambaram MP Thol Thirumavalavan extended support to the protest and condemned the “brutal violence”.
He said the violence wasn’t spontaneous and claimed that it was politically motivated.
Asserting that TDP should take responsibility, he alleged that Lokesh was behind the violence. He called for the Union government’s swift intervention to help the state recover.
“The NDA’s indirect support is highly condemnable,” he added.
Leader of the principal Opposition party in Tamil Nadu, AIADMK, and Karur MP Munisamy Thambidurai called for immediate action against the alleged violence.
“Power doesn’t warrant such atrocities,” he said.
Drawing parallels with the DMK governance in Tamil Nadu, he condemned the abuse of power in Andhra Pradesh, requesting the Union government to take cognizance.
All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) Rajya Sabha MP Nadimul Haque, recounted similar violence in West Bengal before their party’s advent to power.
“Even after the violence against us, we chose change, not revenge,” he stated.
He said political violence was atrocious and expressed solidarity with the YSRCP protest, assuring TMC’s support in resolving the issue.
Haque further asserted that he wholeheartedly stands with the people of Andhra Pradesh.
“Where is India heading if this kind of violence is allowed?” AAP MP and Dalit activist Rajendra Pal Gautam asked while asserting that it is completely against the spirit of the Constitution.
He further criticised the NDA for its inaction, dubbing it an abuse of power to safeguard alliance interests.
Meanwhile, as a reaction to the rising violence against YSRCP workers in the state, the party initiated a campaign on X with the hashtag #SaveAPfromTDP.
Several party workers and YSRCP supporters used the hashtag to circulate images and clips from Andhra Pradesh that depicted the violence.
Earlier, Jagan Mohan Reddy had said the escalating violence and lawlessness in the state warranted the imposition of President’s Rule and it would serve as a stern warning to those responsible, particularly Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu.
The former chief minister said the state government had failed miserably in maintaining law and order and the Vinukonda murder exemplified the degree of brutality prevailing in the state.
The brutal incident was a deliberate attempt to send a message of fear to YSRCP members and supporters. The YSRCP president pointed out that the government, with the help of media that toes its line, was trying to distort facts related to the Vinukonda incident.
He said the YSRCP never resorted to violence despite winning 86 percent of the seats in the 2019 Assembly elections and ensured transparent governance, delivering schemes to everyone irrespective of their political affiliations.
The YSRCP chief said the party must stand by its followers and workers and protect them from any harm and added that the safety and support of party workers were of paramount importance.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil)
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