Amaravati, Oct 2026 : Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday accused YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy of damaging the state’s reputation and brand image, alleging that his political approach was driven by confrontation and misinformation.
Addressing a press conference, Naidu expressed concern over what he described as deliberate attempts to undermine Andhra Pradesh’s prestige. He accused the former chief minister of repeatedly portraying the state’s law-and-order situation as having deteriorated to demand President’s Rule and gain political mileage.
“Jagan Mohan Reddy speaks an incomprehensible language and is consistently working with the sole agenda of claiming that law and order has collapsed in the state, purely to demand President’s Rule and extract political mileage,” Naidu alleged.
The chief minister also criticised Jagan’s legal strategy, describing him as a “prolonged litigant” and accusing him of using court petitions and press conferences to advance his political arguments. These remarks form part of the ongoing political confrontation between the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP)-led government and the opposition YSRCP.
Naidu Rejects YSRCP Claims Over Local Body Polls
Naidu strongly rejected allegations that YSRCP candidates had been prevented from filing nominations for the upcoming local body elections. He maintained that the administration had provided security and assistance to candidates to ensure they could complete the nomination process.
According to the chief minister, police personnel accompanied candidates and transported them in official vehicles to facilitate the filing of nomination papers.
He also referred to remarks attributed to Kona Raghupathi, the YSRCP’s former Deputy Speaker from Bapatla, who reportedly stated that the nomination process had concluded smoothly without obstruction.
Naidu used the example to challenge the opposition’s allegations of electoral interference, asserting that the government had taken steps to enable candidates to participate in the local body polls.
The dispute comes amid heightened political exchanges between the ruling alliance and the YSRCP over election procedures, governance and the state’s law-and-order situation.
Chief Minister Raises Questions Over 2021 Local Elections
Naidu also referred to the 2021 local body elections, alleging that a significant number of uncontested victories had been secured through intimidation and the misuse of power.
He cited figures relating to Mandal Parishad Territorial Constituencies (MPTCs), claiming that around 24 per cent of the seats statewide had been won uncontested. He also referred to what he described as large-scale unanimous victories in Kadapa district.
The chief minister alleged that these outcomes reflected pressure tactics and accused the previous administration of creating an environment that disadvantaged political opponents.
He further criticised the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, recalling reports of schoolteachers being assigned duties to manage queues outside liquor outlets.
Naidu urged people to examine the opposition’s claims against its record in government, alleging that political statements about the current administration were intended to mislead the public. The allegations regarding electoral practices and the handling of the pandemic were made by Naidu during his press conference.
Family Property Dispute Enters Political Debate
The chief minister also brought Jagan Mohan Reddy’s family property dispute into the political discussion, accusing the YSRCP leader of treating his mother and sister unfairly over property matters.
Naidu referred to Jagan’s sister, Y.S. Sharmila, and asserted that she was entitled to a share in the family property. He also questioned Jagan’s reported refusal to make the Yelahanka Palace available for his niece’s wedding.
The chief minister criticised the alleged conduct and compared Jagan to Kansa, the demon king in Hindu mythology, as part of his attack on the opposition leader.
Naidu argued that the family dispute raised questions about Jagan’s conduct and sought to link it to his broader criticism of the YSRCP president’s political approach.
Political Tensions Continue in Andhra Pradesh
Naidu concluded by urging the public to consider what he described as the consequences of Jagan’s political approach for Andhra Pradesh. He alleged that the opposition leader’s actions were undermining the state’s image and development prospects.
The remarks highlight the continuing political rivalry between Naidu and Jagan, with both sides contesting claims over governance, law and order, election procedures and public credibility.
While Naidu accused the YSRCP chief of damaging Andhra Pradesh’s reputation, his statements on the local body elections, alleged intimidation and family property dispute represent the chief minister’s position in the ongoing political debate.
