Vizianagaram MP Kalisetti Appala Naidu accused Jagan Mohan Reddy of fearing defeat in local elections and said the NDA coalition was confident of a strong mandate.
Mangalagiri: Vizianagaram MP Kalisetti Appala Naidu on Tuesday accused YSRCP president and former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy of fearing defeat in the upcoming local body elections, claiming that recent remarks by the former Chief Minister reflected frustration over the prospect of another electoral setback.
Addressing the media at the TDP Central Office, Kalisetti alleged that the previous YSRCP government had undermined the democratic process during local elections by encouraging unanimous contests and using official machinery against opposition candidates.
He said Jagan was now asking YSRCP leaders to ensure contests in local elections, despite allegedly adopting a different approach while in power.
Kalisetti said the NDA coalition would follow democratic principles in selecting candidates, with public opinion and grassroots support playing an important role in ticket allocation.
He expressed confidence that the coalition would secure a strong mandate in the upcoming local body elections, citing ongoing road, drainage and municipal infrastructure works across the State.
The MP claimed that the TDP government constructed around 25,000 km of roads and drainage infrastructure between 2014 and 2019, while alleging that the previous YSRCP government completed only about 1,800 km during its five-year tenure.
He said the NDA government had completed more than 4,000 km of road works in the past two years despite financial constraints.
Kalisetti highlighted the coalition government's decision to increase monthly pensions by Rs. 1,000, saying beneficiaries were receiving payments on the first day of every month.
He also referred to IT and HRD Minister Nara Lokesh's recent visit to Vizianagaram and claimed that the participation of women and youth reflected growing public support for the coalition.
The MP predicted a strong performance for the NDA in the forthcoming Vizianagaram municipal corporation elections.
Kalisetti criticised Jagan for allegedly staying away from Assembly proceedings while raising political issues through media conferences. He said voters were closely observing the former Chief Minister's political conduct.
He also accused the previous YSRCP government of weakening local bodies by diverting funds and alleged that several villages were left without adequate basic infrastructure.
The MP said the coalition government, with the support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was working to rebuild Andhra Pradesh and position it among the leading States in the country.
He also accused the YSRCP of making political claims about the Backward Classes while alleging that the community had faced political suppression during the previous regime.
Kalisetti said the NDA coalition was confident that voters would support its development agenda in the upcoming local body elections.
