Jagan Reddy Slams TDP's Alleged Lawlessness; Questions Democracy in Andhra Pradesh

YSRCP President Jagan Mohan Reddy accused the TDP government of increasing crime rates in Andhra Pradesh, questioning the state of democracy. Amid ongoing protests in New Delhi, Reddy, supported by Samajwadi Party and Shiv Sena MPs, demanded an investigation into TDP's alleged atrocities by central agencies.

YSRCP President Jagan Mohan Reddy on Wednesday accused the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) government of allowing crime to increase in Andhra Pradesh, questioning whether democracy still exists in the state. Speaking to reporters in New Delhi, Reddy highlighted what he called 'lawlessness' and stated that equitable justice is being denied, causing democracy to falter.

"We stand before this country in Delhi and question whether democracy is prevalent in Andhra Pradesh, where the word democracy means equitable justice. Today, democracy is barely surviving as equitable justice is denied," Reddy asserted. He cited alarming crime statistics, noting that within 45 days of the current government taking office, over 30 murders and numerous assaults and vandalism incidents were reported.

The former Chief Minister further alleged that numerous government properties were vandalized, with over 1,000 cases of assault. He accused TDP's Nara Lokesh, son of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, of inciting violence through public hoardings listing officials and politicians targeted for retribution. According to Reddy, the atmosphere of intimidation and lawlessness in Andhra Pradesh contrasts sharply with the YSRCP's rule.

Telugu Desam Party MP Daggumalla Prasada Rao refuted Reddy's claims, alleging that violence and murders occurred during Reddy's own tenure. Rao accused Reddy of spreading fake news and deflecting attention from charges against YSRCP members, including a sexual harassment allegation against Vijay Sai Reddy. Rao emphasized that Reddy's inability to manage governance is evident from his current predicament.

Earlier, Reddy, along with Samajwadi Party MP Akhilesh Yadav, participated in a photo and video exhibition in the national capital, staging a protest against the Andhra Pradesh government at Jantar Mantar. Yadav criticized the 'bulldozer culture' and commended Reddy's resistance efforts. Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut also joined the protest, showing support for Reddy's stance.

On July 21, Reddy met Andhra Pradesh Governor S Abdul Nazeer, urging an investigation into the alleged atrocities by TDP's government. Reddy cited the brutal murder of YSRCP activist Rashid in Vinukonda, criticizing the police for their inaction despite being nearby. The YSRCP President's demands for central intervention highlight the deepening political rift in Andhra Pradesh.

(With inputs from agencies.)