Jagan Mohan Reddy-Chandrababu Naidu war of videos

VIJAYAWADA: It is turning out to be war of “naadu-nedu” (then and now) videos between Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy and Telugu Desam president N. Chandrababu Naidu even as the AP capitals’ issue appears to have reached a decisive stage.

Both leaders displayed, though at different places, video clips of each other to highlight their backtracking on core issues, varying from abolition of the legislative council to cordial relations with Telangana.

It all started with the Chief Minister launching a scathing attack against Naidu during the debate in assembly on abolition of the legislative council. Jagan accused the TD chief of adopting double standards on core issues, pointing to videos of Naidu changing stands on special category status for AP, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, relations with Congress, and abolition of council.

Ironically, it was the TD president, who opposed creation of the council in 2004 during the YSR regime. Naidu had then given reasons like burden on exchequer, re-employment to leaders who lost direct polls, and delays it would lead to in the legislative process.

Ruling YCP built its counter on the same three points. The House burst into laughter on reference of Naidu being seen in videos taking contradictory stands on support to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former Congress president Rahul Gandhi on different occasions.

Following this, the TD chief too came up with Jagan Mohan Reddy’s videos during a press conference in TD headquarters. The CM could be seen launching a tirade against the centre over special category status to the state in one video while, in another, he was seen resigned to the fact that nothing much can be done on SCS, except requesting the centre and seeking divine blessings. Naidu also displayed videos of changed versions of the Chief Minister on relations with Telangana and supply of fine variety of rice to poor.