Naidu Slams Jagan, Says Politics Should Strengthen Institutions, Not Weaken Them

Naidu made the remarks during a meeting with Telugu Desam leaders at the secretariat to discuss recent political developments. Leaders informed the CM that Jagan Reddy planned a visit to Srikakulam district jail on Thursday to meet former minister and YSRC leader Sidiri Appala Raju.

Reacting to this, Naidu said those committed to institution-building respected the rule of law and functioned within the legal framework. He alleged that YSRC leaders have little regard for the law and questioned what message was being conveyed to society by the former CM extending support to individuals facing serious allegations.

The chief minister said his government had installed around 15,000 CCTV cameras across Andhra Pradesh between 2014 and 2019 to strengthen crime prevention and improve policing. However, he alleged that the surveillance network deteriorated during the 2019-24 YSRC term due to poor maintenance. After the present government assumed office, all the cameras were restored, enabling police to identify and apprehend offenders with strong evidence, he said.

Naidu also referred to the death of Pastor Praveen in a road accident, alleging that YSRC leaders had attempted to portray it as a murder to malign the government. He claimed that the opposition retreated after CCTV footage and other evidence established the facts of the case.

He alleged that individuals with criminal tendencies often attempted to shift the blame onto others and accused Jagan Reddy of associating with anti-social elements and visiting those facing criminal charges.