Chandrababu Naidu suppressing opponents with the help of police in Andhra Pradesh: Jagan Mohan Reddy

YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) president YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Saturday alleged that Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu was suppressing opponents by misusing the police force to create an atmosphere of dictatorship. Citing several instances that he allegedly came across during his visit to the state, the former chief minister said in a post on social media platform ‘X’, “The right to question, protest and assemble is the bedrock of democracy, which gives citizens the right to freely express their grievances and demand accountability.” “However, this fundamental democratic process is being ruthlessly crushed in Andhra Pradesh under the pressure of the authoritarian regime led by Chandrababu Naidu,” Jagan said. He alleged that every attempt by the public or the opposition to raise legitimate concerns is suppressed, harassed and faced with arbitrary legal cases. This leaves no room for dissent. According to the opposition leader, this alleged deliberate attack on democratic freedom is an attack on the basic element of democracy in the state. Jagan cited his visit to Guntur chilli yard on February 19, Ramagiri on April 8, Podili on June 11, Sattenapalli on June 18 and Bangarupalayam on July 9 and the subsequent government action and said that the intention is clear. He alleged that the government is intent on systematic suppression of the opposition, the public and the democratic process. According to Jagan, he had visited Guntur chilli yard on the issue of getting fair price to chilli farmers and a case was registered during that time. Similar action was also taken during his visit to Ramagiri, when he went to console the family of YSRCP BC leader Kuruba Lingamaya, who was allegedly murdered by supporters of the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP). There has been no response from the Chandra Babu Naidu-led TDP on Jagan’s allegations.