Jagan accused the TDP of borrowing ₹1.75 lakh crore in 14 months without implementing any major welfare schemes.
Published Jul 16, 2025 | 7:10 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 16, 2025 | 7:10 PM
YS Jagan Mohan Reddy said only ySRCP is with the people now, whereas other parties have aligned with Chandrababu Naidu. (YSJagan/X)
Synopsis: YSRCP leader and former chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy said the ruling dispensation is misusing the police to crush dissent and that some officers are acting like ‘mafia dons’.
YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) president and former Andhra Pradesh chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Wednesday, 16 July, accused the TDP-led NDA government of politicising and misusing the police force to suppress democratic dissent. He also criticised the government’s ‘failure’ in meeting the election-time welfare promises.
Addressing the media at the YSRCP’s central office in Tadepalli, Jagan alleged that the state was witnessing a breakdown of constitutional governance and the rule of law.
“Today, only one opposition party remains in Andhra Pradesh, and that is the YSRCP. The rest are allies of Chandrababu Naidu,” Jagan said, asserting that his party alone continues to raise its voice on behalf of the people. He added that the party has been consistently questioning the government’s actions and standing by the public through protests and campaigns.
The former chief minister cited YSRCP’s several recent protests and agitation campaigns. These included the December 2024 protest demanding crop insurance for farmers, a statewide agitation against power tariff hikes, and the “Yuva Poru” protest on 12 March against the cancellation of education schemes.
He also referenced awareness drives like “Babu Surety, Mosam Guarantee” (Chandrababu’s sureties, cheating guaranteed) and “Recalling Chandrababu’s Manifesto,” which sought to highlight unfulfilled promises by the ruling coalition.
A major point of contention in Jagan’s remarks was the alleged politicisation of the police force. He claimed that officers, who had previously engaged in people-friendly policing under the YSRCP government, were now facing punitive action. Jagan said over 80 inspectors and hundreds of constables have been suspended or sidelined, while only those perceived to be loyal to the ruling party were being retained in key positions.
Jagan further accused some senior police officers, including DIGs, of acting like “mafia dons,” collecting bribes from illegal liquor and sand businesses, and channelling those funds to elected officials. He mentioned the resignation of IPS officer Siddharth Kaushal as indicative of the pressure honest officers were allegedly facing.
He also condemned the recent attack on Krishna Zilla Parishad Chairperson Uppala Harika, which occurred while she was on her way to a party event. Jagan said TDP workers assaulted Harika and her husband, damaged their vehicle, and hurled abuses in the presence of police, who allegedly did not intervene. He criticised the subsequent filing of a case against Harika’s husband, calling it a sign of institutional bias.
YSRCP leader said now “Prashniste Suma, Casulu Padthai Jagratha” (If you ask questions, you’ll face cases). Jagan further listed incidents where his party leaders faced FIRs for participating in condolence meetings, visiting agricultural markets, or protesting against falling prices. He questioned why such acts were being criminalised under the current regime.
Addressing the government’s fiscal management, Jagan accused the TDP of borrowing ₹1.75 lakh crore in 14 months without implementing any major welfare schemes. He cited the absence of promised initiatives such as unemployment allowance, LPG subsidies, pensions, Amma Vodi, and fee reimbursements.
Jagan issued a strong warning to the ruling government, saying that the misuse of power and repression of dissent would not go unchallenged. He cautioned that if the TDP continued its behaviour, even he wouldn’t be able to control his party when it returned to power next time.
(Edited by Majnu Babu).
