Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has strongly condemned former Chief Minister and YSRCP Chief YS Jaganmohan Reddy’s demand to cancel the Pulivendula ZPTC by-election and conduct a repolling. He lamented that Jagain is impatient as there was no anarchy in this election. He wondered if Jagan would feel uncomfortable holding elections peacefully?
Chandrababu commented that the people of the state have known for a long time how Jagan would act. He recalled that in the past, there was a situation in Pulivendula where people were afraid to file nominations. But this time, he said as many as 11 people have entered the fray. Chandrababu clarified that voting took place peacefully in two polling booths during the repolling also.
He asked whether there was ever a case of re-polling there? He asserted that people were able to exercise their right to vote boldly due to the strong law and order at the polling booths. Chandrababu said that elections were never held freely under the leadership of YSR. He alleged that the then regime had tarnished democracy in Pulivendula.
He said that now people have a situation where they can vote without hesitation. Receiving the requests from the people at the TDP central office, Chandrababu responded directly. On this occasion, he answered the question on the Pulivendula by-election as follows. He expressed concern that the democratic system itself is in danger due to the behavior of YSR.
Chandrababu said that it is incomprehensible for Jagan to demand re-polling after the people voted peacefully. He reminded that it is the responsibility oyf every leader to respect the right to vote. He commented that with such comments, all the people will understand what Jagan really means.
He said that the Pulivendula by-elections have assumed great political significance. Chandrababu’s measured response to Jagan’s allegations has made the facts clearer.
Meanwhile, Jaganmohan Reddy has sharply criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for not speaking out on alleged large-scale electoral irregularities in Andhra Pradesh. He alleged that during the last year’s elections in the state, the total number of votes saw an unusual spike of 12.5% between polling day and counting day, an increase of nearly 48 lakh votes.
“Why is Rahul Gandhi silent on such a serious issue?” Jagan asked and accused that the Congress leader of maintaining constant contact with AP Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu through Telangana CM A. Revanth Reddy, which may explain his reluctance to comment.
The YSRCP chief also criticised Manickam Tagore, the AICC in-charge for Andhra Pradesh, accusing him of avoiding criticism of Naidu while frequently targeting him instead. Jagan further alleged that the TDP government is involved in “massive scams,” citing irregularities in the Amaravati capital project and questionable Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs).
“Several scams are taking place in the state, yet Congress remains completely silent,” he remarked, hinting at a possible political understanding between the two parties.