YSRCP chief Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy sharply criticized Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, claiming that the CM “lacks the courage to conduct free and fair elections.”
Jagan began the day by paying homage to his late father Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, on his death anniversary at the Idupulapaya memorial. After paying tribute, he took time off to mingle with locals, hear out their grievances, accept petitions, and offer small financial support to poor children. He also met party workers and leaders, giving advice regarding organization and political matters.
The talk was also centered on the recent ZPTC by-elections in Ontimitta and Pulivendula, where YSRCP suffered defeats. Party leaders explained that the losses were not owing to lack of support from the people but claimed vote rigging in the form of restriction on people reaching polling booths and shifting them across large distances and thereby restricting the people from voting.
Jagan accused Chandrababu Naidu of undermining democratic processes and asserted that YSRCP candidates would have won if elections were conducted fairly. He also criticized the ruling coalition for politicizing every issue and misleading the public. “During our tenure, we never turned every matter into politics. If we had, would they have come to power?” he asked.
Reassuring party workers, Jagan promised to visit districts once every two months to strengthen the party at the grassroots level. He urged leaders to adopt a focused strategy in countering coalition leaders and emphasized that no worker should feel demotivated. “Every member of the party will be given importance,” he assured.
During the visit, some former volunteers tried to meet Jagan. Security initially prevented them from entering, but he intervened and allowed them inside to share their financial challenges. Jagan remarked, “If all of you had worked sincerely, our government would still be in power.” He collected petitions and feedback from locals before concluding his visit.