TDP chief Palla Srinivasa Rao criticises Jagan’s demand for President’s Rule in Andhra Pradesh, alleging it is aimed at diverting public attention.
TDP State President Palla Srinivasa Rao on Sunday criticised YSRCP president and former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy for demanding President’s Rule in Andhra Pradesh, describing it as a politically motivated attempt to divert public attention from pressing issues.
Speaking to the media, Palla alleged that the YSRCP was attempting to provoke confrontations at the grassroots level and subsequently blame the government for an alleged deterioration in law and order. He urged the public to examine the facts objectively rather than be influenced by what he termed the opposition party’s politically motivated statements.
Referring to the criminal cases against Jagan and other YSRCP leaders, Palla recalled that the former Chief Minister had spent 16 months in judicial custody in connection with disproportionate assets cases.
He also referred to the controversy surrounding the CBI’s attempt to arrest YSRCP MP Y.S. Avinash Reddy, alleging that the party’s conduct during the episode contradicted its present claims about democratic values.
Instead of addressing allegations against its leadership, the YSRCP was attempting to shift public attention by demanding President’s Rule, Palla alleged. He described the party’s stance as an example of political double standards.
Palla questioned the YSRCP’s decision to raise the demand for President’s Rule while, according to him, attempting to escalate disputes at the grassroots level.
He alleged that the opposition was trying to create political tensions for its own benefit and subsequently hold the government responsible for the resulting situation.
The TDP leader said people had not forgotten the YSRCP’s record during its previous tenure in power. Before questioning the government’s commitment to democracy, the opposition should examine its own conduct, he advised.
Reaffirming the NDA coalition government’s position, Palla said all necessary steps were being taken to ensure that elections in Andhra Pradesh were conducted in a free, fair and impartial manner.
He said every candidate should be able to file nominations without obstruction and every voter should be able to exercise their franchise without fear or intimidation.
Palla also warned that those found obstructing the electoral process would face action in accordance with the law.
Palla appealed to the public not to be swayed by what he described as provocative statements from the YSRCP. He urged the opposition party to stop creating political uncertainty in the name of President’s Rule.
Protecting democratic values and ensuring the smooth conduct of elections remained the coalition government’s firm commitment, he asserted.
