Democracy in grave danger in Andhra Pradesh: YS Jagan

"I call upon every citizen to raise their voice against these atrocities and demand accountability from those in power. We must ensure that justice prevails and that the TDP Government is held accountable for its actions" -- YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, former AP CM and YSRCP president

New Delhi: Former AP Chief Minister and YSR Congress Party president YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has on Wednesday expressed his deep concern that democracy is in grave danger in Andhra Pradesh as the TDP government has unleashed a reign of terror on political rivals in the last 45 days.

“Today, I stand before you to draw your attention to a grave concern that threatens the spirit of our Democracy and the principles of Justice and Equality that our nation stands for. In the last 45 days, the state of Andhra Pradesh has witnessed a series of unprecedented atrocities under the TDP government,” he said in New Delhi.

YSRCP under his leadership held a day-long protest at Janta Mantar here to highlight the atrocities committed by the Telugu Desam Party government in Andhra Pradesh. A photo exhibition on this issue was also organised.

Speaking on the occasion, YS Jagan said:“The rule of law has been blatantly disregarded, and the administration has indulged in acts that can be described as nothing short of tyrannical. Since the TDP coalition government came to power, there is no protection for life, limb, and the dignity of the people. Leaders and workers of the ruling party, with their barbaric and inhumane activities, are causing widespread fear among the people of the State,” he said.

According to him, TDP leaders have targeted known sympathizers of YSRCP and started terrorizing them by humiliating and beating them, destroying their properties and even killing them in some cases. “The targeted violence and harassment faced by YSRCP sympathizers is not just an attack on a political party but an attack on democracy itself. As Mahatma Gandhi once said, ‘Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere’. The actions of the TDP are a direct threat to the justice and equality we all cherish,” YS Jagan said.

Due to the unleashing of self-styled ‘Red Book’governance by TDP Government, policing is made ineffective. Worse, police registered false cases against the victims, thus plunging the State into lawlessness, he added.

“Exploiting this situation, people at every level started settling their scores. In just 45 days of the new government, more than 30 people have been murdered, 300 and odd murder attempts have been made, 35 people have committed suicide due to TDP harassment, 560 private properties have been destroyed, 490 government properties have been vandalised, and nearly 2,700 families have left their villages due to these atrocities. And also, over 1,050 incidents of violence and attacks are reported,” YS Jagan explained.

According to him, on July 17, 2024, a YSRCP activist, Rashid, was brutally hacked to death in Vinukonda. This incident happened in the middle of a busy street, and shockingly, the police were in close proximity when it occurred. The perpetrator is seen in a photograph feeding cake to the wife of GV Anjeneyulu, MLA,Vinukonda. Also, there are many photographs of him along with TDP leaders including MLA which clearly shows his close relationship with TDP, more particularly with the present MLA. Yet, there is no case against the MLA, he pointed out.

“In a similar case, TDP goons attacked our party Councillor Nadakuduti Girish, who actively participated in the recently concluded elections, and stabbed him multiple times in broad daylight on a busy road despite his attempts to run for his life in Nuzividu. There are several such incidents happened in the State to corroborate the draconian rule of the present government in Andhra Pradesh. Even YSRCP elected representatives to parliament and the State assembly, as well as candidates who contested the elections, have no protection,” he alleged.

On Thursday last, in Punganur, Chittoor district, TDP mobs attempted to murder our party's Lok Sabha floor leader, MP PV Midhun Reddy, who had gone to meet former MP N Reddeppa. This attack happened in the presence of the police, indicating a severe deterioration in the State's ability to protect its citizens. As usual, the Police in their present style have registered cases against victims. Our supporters have been subjected to unlawful detentions, fabricated charges, and violent attacks, he said.

“This is a deliberate attempt to stifle the voice of the people and undermine the democratic process. The TDP's actions are reminiscent of the darkest days of our history when voices of reason and truth were suppressed through force and intimidation,” he said.

Quoting South African leader Nelson Mandela who famously said: "To deny people their human rights is to challenge their very humanity”, YS Jagan said that the misuse of state machinery to silence dissent and target political opponents is a blatant abuse of power. “Arresting and intimidating those who dare to speak the truth is nothing but tyranny in disguise. Despite the announcement of YSRCP protest in New Delhi against the lawlessness and the violence that has been happening for the last 45 days in AP, such is the fearlessness of the TDP goons that, as latest as yesterday, they have intercepted the car of the former Chairman, Agriculture market committee in Krosuru of Palnadu district and beaten him severely with rods,” he pointed out.

In this incident, his both hands and legs were broken, and he is presently in hospital with these severe injuries, he said.

“This is a clear example of the ‘Red Book’ Governance emboldening the TDP goons to terrorise YSRCP sympathisers. I call upon every citizen to raise their voice against these atrocities and demand accountability from those in power. We must ensure that justice prevails and that the TDP Government is held accountable for its actions. Let us not forget that the power of the people is greater than the people in power. Together, we can restore the rule of law and bring an end to this reign of terror. I urge you all to stand firm, stay vigilant, and continue the fight for a just and equitable society. Democracy, Justice, and Equality are not mere words; they are the pillars on which our great nation stands,” YS Jagan said.