Jagan resorting to ‘hit-and-run politics’ to dent AP’s brand image: CM Naidu
Amaravati, oct 24 (TNT): Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP National President N. Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday launched a scathing attack on YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) chief and former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, accusing him of practicing “hit-and-run politics” designed to tarnish the State’s brand value and undermine investor confidence for narrow political mileage.
Addressing reporters at his camp office here, Naidu alleged that Jagan had “failed in every role—as Chief Minister, opposition leader, son, brother, and even as a citizen,” charging him with relying on “destructive politics and endless litigation.”
Reiterating the NDA coalition government’s resolve to elevate Andhra Pradesh to the top rank nationally, the Chief Minister said transparent measures, including an escrow account mechanism for industrial incentives, were being implemented to restore investor trust.
He cautioned that recurrent politically motivated controversies were forcing industrialists into a dilemma over committing capital to the State.
Contrasting the current environment with the 2019–2024 administration, Naidu alleged that citizens previously lived in fear and were unable to move freely.
He also criticized the former Chief Minister for boycotting Assembly proceedings instead of debating public issues on the floor of the House.
Turning to the upcoming local body elections, Naidu alleged that the YSRCP’s “sole agenda is to stall civic polls through manufactured violence” to derail the democratic process.
He claimed TDP cadres were being systematically targeted, following which YSRCP leaders were “playing the victim card.”
“The police have provided adequate security to YSRCP candidates to file their nominations without hindrance, yet their leadership continues to approach courts with frivolous petitions,” Naidu said.
Questioning the integrity of local body elections conducted under the previous regime, Naidu cited data indicating that 79 percent of MPTC seats and 76 percent of ZPTC seats in Kadapa district—including all 33 seats in Pulivendula—had been declared “unanimous” under coercive circumstances.
In contrast, he asserted that voters and candidates exercised their franchise and filed papers freely across constituencies like Kuppam, Pithapuram, and Mangalagiri under the current dispensation.
The Chief Minister also took a swipe at Jagan over ongoing family disputes, questioning his conduct regarding the division of assets left by late Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy with his sister Sharmila.
Calling on the public to examine the verifiable track records of political parties, Naidu urged citizens to safeguard democratic institutions and back governance focused on sustained economic growth and transparent welfare delivery.
TNT KM
