YSRCP slams TDP-led govt. for curbing Jagan’s Chittoor visit

The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) on Wednesday (July 9, 2025) launched a scathing attack on the TDP-led coalition  National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government, accusing it of deliberately attempting to sabotage Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy’s tour to Chittoor district, where he intended to interact with distressed mango farmers. 

YSRCP leaders, including former Minister Ambati Rambabu and SC Cell State president T.J.R. Sudhakar Babu, condemned what they described as “state-sponsored harassment” and “fear-driven restrictions” imposed by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s administration.

Addressing a press conference on Wednesday (July 9), YSRCP leaders alleged that the NDA government was resorting to undemocratic measures to curb Jagan’s public outreach. Mr. Babu criticised police actions in Bangarupalem, where Jagan was scheduled to meet mango farmers, noting that fuel stations were instructed not to provide fuel for YSRCP vehicles, and supporters were reportedly threatened with rowdy-sheets. “This is not administration, this is dictatorship in disguise,” he said, accusing Mr. Naidu and his son Nara Lokesh of misusing police machinery for political gains.

Contrasting the current regime with that of Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy and Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, YSRCP leaders accused the TDP-led coalition of failing farmers, fostering illegal liquor and drug networks, and turning a blind eye to the Amaravati land scam. They challenged Chief Minister Naidu to a public debate on farmers’ welfare and dared him to compare his track record with that of the previous YSRCP governments.

 “If you have the courage, come face us in a debate and let the people judge,” Mr. Babu said.

Mr. Rambabu came down heavily on Chittoor SP V.N. Manikanth Chandolu, accusing him of acting under political pressure from Mr. Lokesh and undermining the impartiality expected of an IPS officer. “The police have become tools in the hands of the ruling coalition, and the fear of Mr. Jagan’s popularity is driving these illegal restrictions,” he added.