Jagan Says AP Under Emergency of Red Book Constitution

Nellore: YSRC chief and former chief minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy came down heavily on the ruling TDP-led government, likening the current political atmosphere in Andhra Pradesh to Emergency under what he called a "Red Book Constitution."

During his visit to Nellore on Thursday, Jagan accused Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu of misusing state machinery to harass opposition leaders and suppress dissent. He alleged that TD is running a political vendetta campaign by filing false cases, arresting YSRC leaders, and targeting their families.

Earlier, the YSRC chief met former minister Kakani Govardhan Reddy at the Nellore Central Jail. He later visited former MLA Prasanna Kumar Reddy to show support after an alleged attack on the latter’s house.

Speaking to media, the former CM asked why roads are being dug up to block YSRC workers. “Why are thousands of police officers deployed—not for public safety—but to silence our party supporters,” he questioned.

Jagan Mohan Reddy claimed that YSRC women leaders are being insulted and false cases are being filed against MLAs and MPs. He cited multiple examples, including filing of 14 cases against Kakani Govardhan Reddy. He wondered how holding a press meet or sharing a message on WhatsApp can become a crime.

The former chief minister condemned the violent attack on Prasanna Kumar Reddy’s house, when 80 armed men allegedly barged in, damaged property, and terrified the MLA’s elderly mother. “If Prasanna had been at home, they could have killed him,” Jagan remarked, calling it a shameful moment in state politics.

He accused the TD-led government of shutting down welfare programmes, including Nadu-Nedu and English-medium education. He accused the ruling parties of running an illegal liquor mafia, selling alcohol at inflated prices and involvement in illegal silica and quartz mining, with kickbacks allegedly going to Chandrababu Naidu and his son Lokesh.

Jagan Mohan Reddy pointed out that several YSRC leaders including Nandigam Suresh, Vallabhaneni Vamsi, Midhun Reddy, Chevireddy Bhaskar Reddy, Kodali Nani, Perni Nani, Anil Kumar Yadav, and even their family members had been targeted and victimised by the TD government.

The YSRC chief’s visit triggered tension in Nellore, with police blocking roads and imposing restrictions under Section 30 of the Police Act. Still, large numbers of YSRCP supporters took out a procession from the Current Office Centre to the Sujathamma Colony.

Clashes broke out when police stopped Prasanna Kumar Reddy near the R&B Guest House. A brief scuffle followed, and a police constable reportedly fractured his hand.

Despite the restrictions, Jagan went in the procession and garlanded the statue of his late father Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy, and addressed his supporters.

Police remained on high alert throughout the day due to fears of unrest. Police deployed over 150 CCTV cameras, 14 drones and mobile surveillance units to monitor the crowd and maintain order.