‘People cheated by coalition government’: Jagan announces padayatra in 150 constituencies in AP

Amaravati: Alleging corruption, vindictive politics and policy failure by the coalition government in the state, former Chief Minister and YSRCP President YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Wednesday said that the people across Andhra feel cheated.

Padayatra across 150 constituencies

Reiterating his commitment to take issues directly to the people, Jagan announced a padayatra covering all 150 Assembly constituencies to highlight what he called the failures of the coalition government and to present a comparative picture of governance.

Addressing party workers from Bhimavaram, Jagan said public dissatisfaction was growing rapidly due to unfulfilled promises and rising corruption.

‘Vindictive and corrupt governance’

Jagan accused the coalition government, led by CM N Chandrababu Naidu, of adopting vindictive policies and favouring a select few while targeting political opponents.

He alleged that governance had turned partisan, with benefits flowing only to those close to the ruling dispensation.

‘Jagan 2.0 will prioritise cadre’

Stating that people are fed up with current policies, Jagan said ‘Jagan 2.0’ would be different from the previous term, with greater importance given to party cadre and grassroots leadership. He described this as a corrective step based on lessons learnt from his earlier tenure.

Welfare vs Debt: A contrast

Drawing a comparison between the two regimes, Jagan said his government had taken loans amounting to Rs 3.32 lakh crore over five years, of which Rs 2.73 lakh crore was directly transferred to beneficiaries through DBT for welfare schemes.

In contrast, he alleged that the present government had borrowed nearly Rs 3 lakh crore in less than two years, with no transparency or accountability, while welfare programmes had come to a halt.

Allegations of rampant corruption

Jagan alleged large-scale corruption in the liquor and sand sectors, claiming liquor was being sold above MRP, belt shops were auctioned and sales were allowed round the clock.

On sand mining, he said sales had increased, but government revenue had fallen, calling it a clear indicator of corruption.

‘Law and order in shambles’

He alleged that law and order had deteriorated sharply, citing incidents involving intimidation of women employees, an attempted suicide due to alleged harassment by an MLA, and serious criminal allegations against another legislator.

He also accused the government of misusing power to suppress cases and foist false charges against opposition leaders.

Students, farmers and patients hit

Jagan said students were suffering due to the stoppage of welfare schemes, healthcare services under Aarogyasri had weakened, and farmers were distressed as they were not receiving MSP.

He questioned the purpose of governance under the current administration if agriculture, education and healthcare could not be ensured.