Telugu Desam’s MLA Sarvepalli Somireddy Chandramohan Reddy asserted on Friday that YSRC Congress would be erased from Andhra Pradesh politics.
Addressing the party’s Mini Mahanadu at the VPR Convention Centre in Nellore, Somireddy blamed the previous government with rampant corruption and mis-governance. He mentioned a number of irregularities during its tenure, and referred to a Rs 3,200 crore liquor scam. The overall worth of illegal and unaccounted liquor sales might be much nearer Rs 10,000 crore, he believed.
The MLA also countered allegations of land allocations to a company in Visakhapatnam, claiming that the land was disposed of at market prices between Rs 50 lakh and Rs 1 crore per acre. He turned down the YSRC’s assertion that it was disposed of for 90 paise per acre. He dared YSRC chief Jagan Mohan Reddy to quit if he’s found in error. “I am prepared to quit my position if this charge is deflated,” he added.
Thinking of his long-term affiliation with the TD, Somireddy remembered working with NT Rama Rao, Chandrababu Naidu and Nara Lokesh. He pointed out the party’s record in initiating an anti-liquor movement, particularly in Nellore district, and credited Naidu for developing the IT and industrial economy in Andhra Pradesh.
Nellore MP Vemireddy Prabhakar Reddy termed the TD as a cohesive family committed to public welfare and asked its workers to gear up for the forthcoming local body polls, and asked the party cadre to sort out grievances in the party’s internal systems and not indulge in factionalism.
Minister P Narayana remembered the hardship faced by TD cadres when YSRC was in power and promised party workers that they would be given their proper place now. “We have pushed the YSRC out of the door. Now, let us see that they go out completely and strengthen the Telugu Desam which represents welfare and development,” he added.
Minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy criticised former chief minister Jagan Mohan Reddy, accusing him of making false statements in press conferences and attempting to mislead the public.
Rising Criticism Against YSRC
YSR Congress Party, headed by Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, is coming under growing criticism on issues ranging from growing unemployment to suspected corruption, power tariff increases, and poor infra in rural districts. Opposition party leaders like TDP chief N. Chandrababu Naidu have stepped up the outreach programs to reveal these issues and reach out to voters in districts.
A number of political observers also mention that internal disarray in the YSRC ranks and visible lack of developmental achievements may damage the party’s electoral prospects. While the YSRC had witnessed a thumping triumph in 2019, the prevailing public sentiment seems more circumspect, and perhaps disillusioned.
YSRC’s Counterattack
Reacting to TD legislator’s comments, top YSR Congress Party leaders have rubbished the statement as “wishful thinking.” They claim that their party retains strong support at the grassroots level and have referred to their various welfare programs like Amma Vodi, Rythu Bharosa, and residential schemes for the poor as evidence of their people-friendly governance.
They say that the TDP is trying to sway public opinion with misinformation and political drama before the elections.
What’s Next?
As both factions intensify their campaigns and public activities, the political temperature in Andhra Pradesh should rise further. The TD legislator’s words might be an indication of rising confidence in the party’s resurgence, but whether this results in tangible electoral gains remains to be seen.
What is certain, however, is that Andhra Pradesh is set for a high-stakes political confrontation in 2025. With changing allegiances, increasing public scrutiny, and an active voter base, both YSR Congress and Telugu Desam Party would have to steer through the months ahead with strategic finesse and vision clarity.
