Jagan accuses TDP government of political vendetta

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

YSR Congress Party president and former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy launched a sharp attack on the TDP-led Andhra Pradesh government, accusing it of pursuing political vendetta and using the police machinery to target Opposition leaders.

In a detailed statement, Jagan alleged that attacks involving ruling-party cadres were being overlooked while serious criminal cases, including attempt-to-murder charges, were being registered against Opposition leaders who were themselves victims. Questioning the functioning of the government, he asked Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu whether Andhra Pradesh was being governed as a democracy, a “police raj” or a “jungle raj”.

Jagan strongly condemned the midnight arrest of Alur YSRCP MLA B. Virupakshi. He questioned the necessity of deploying a large police contingent to the legislator’s residence around 2.45 am and allegedly forcing their way into the house.

According to Jagan, the controversy originated at Nemakallu in Chippagiri mandal, where TDP cadres allegedly attacked the residence of a YSRCP functionary. The party worker contacted the MLA seeking help, following which Virupakshi went to the spot. Jagan alleged that TDP workers subsequently attacked the MLA’s group with stones, leaving his brother injured.

Instead of proceeding against those responsible for the alleged attack, police booked the MLA himself on serious charges, Jagan claimed. He further alleged that CCTV hard disks were taken away from Virupakshi’s residence during the police operation and accused the authorities of attempting to suppress evidence.

The former Chief Minister alleged that similar politically motivated cases were being pursued elsewhere in the State. He cited the arrest of former minister Seediri Appalaraju in Srikakulam district and cases involving former Guntur East MLA Sheikh Mohammed Mustafa and his son.