CM Naidu misusing police to target political opponents, suppress dissent: Jagan

Nellore: YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) president and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has accused the state government of creating an “undeclared emergency-like” situation.

He alleged that Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu is misusing police machinery to target political opponents and suppress dissent.

Speaking to the media in Nellore after meeting former MLA Prasanna Kumar Reddy, whose residence was recently attacked, Jagan described the current governance as “draconian and vindictive.”

Attack on opposition leader’s home condemned

Jagan condemned the recent attack on the house of Prasanna Kumar Reddy, reportedly carried out by Telugu Desam Party (TDP) workers. “Sending mobs with weapons to target the homes of political rivals is a new low.

When an attack is carried out with an elderly mother inside the house, it reflects a complete breakdown of constitutional values,” he said. He blamed Naidu for orchestrating such assaults and claimed that the TDP was following a “Red Book” to exact revenge.

The “Red Book” refers to a list shown by TDP leader Nara Lokesh during the 2024 election campaign, purportedly identifying individuals who allegedly harassed TDP leaders during the YSRCP regime.

Massive security measures to block public support

Jagan also objected to what he described as excessive police deployment and road closures during his visit to Nellore, accusing the state government of deliberately preventing public interaction.

“The fear of public support for YSRCP has forced the government to resort to roadblocks and surveillance,” he said, terming these restrictions a diversion from the government’s failure to deliver on election promises.

‘False cases, political persecution’

The YSRCP chief strongly criticised the arrests and cases against opposition leaders, particularly party senior leader and former minister Kakani Govardhan Reddy, who is currently lodged in Nellore jail.

Jagan alleged that Kakani is being falsely implicated in a baseless quartz mining case despite official records showing no activity in the region for four years. “In addition to filing an SC/ST case, the government dug up old cases just to prolong his jail time.

He has been in jail for 64 days with 14 cases filed against him, even though accused 1 to 3 have already secured bail,” Jagan pointed out.

Long list of targeted YSRCP leaders

Jagan said a large number of YSRCP leaders and their families are being deliberately targeted by the ruling coalition. He named senior leaders such as Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy, Chevireddy Bhaskar Reddy, Jogi Ramesh, Nandigama Suresh, and Pennelli Ramakrishna Reddy among those facing harassment.

He also cited the case of PV Midhun Reddy, allegedly jailed because of a decades-old college feud involving his father, Peddireddi Ramachandra Reddy, and Chandrababu Naidu. “The only reason Chevireddy is being targeted is because he won the Chandragiri seat, Naidu’s home turf,” Jagan said.

Warning against abuse of power

Accusing TDP leaders of using “vile language” and launching attacks against women leaders such as RK Roja, Rajani, and ZP Chairperson Harika, Jagan warned that if the opposition starts retaliating in kind, democratic values will be further eroded.

“We are committed to democratic principles, but the government must stop this blatant misuse of power. If this continues, there will be consequences when we return to power,” he said.

Jagan concluded with a stern warning to the ruling coalition, asserting that all those responsible for these excesses would be held accountable through legal means once YSRCP regains power.