Is Corruption Rampant in Andhra Pradesh Under Coalition Rule?

Amaravati, Aug 5 (NationPress) YSR Congress Party President and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has claimed that corruption is pervasive in the coalition government led by Chandrababu Naidu. He stated that corrupt practices are particularly rampant in the liquor business, illegal sand mining, and Amaravati land transactions.

Reddy accused the government of awarding contracts for the construction of the state capital, Amaravati, at prices that are double those of Hyderabad and Bengaluru.

Speaking to a gathering of legal professionals from the former Krishna and Guntur districts, he criticized the TDP-led administration for deceiving even the legal community, similar to how they misled the public with false initiatives like Super-6 and Super-7.

The former Chief Minister alleged that ‘belt shops’ (illegal liquor outlets) are operating in every village, with permits being sold unlawfully, and liquor being sold at prices significantly above the MRP. He condemned the government for amassing large commissions on construction projects and misusing mobilization advances.

Reddy highlighted that the YSRCP had signed power purchase agreements at ₹2.49 per unit, while the current administration is negotiating them at ₹4.60. He stated that individuals are compelled to pay bribes even to initiate small businesses or industries. He accused some police officials of directly facilitating gambling and other illegal operations.

He pointed out that the state is experiencing a perilous political abuse of power and urged lawyers to spearhead the fight for justice. Reddy mentioned that innocent individuals are being incarcerated without evidence, and false charges are being leveled for political motivations. He called upon the legal cell advocates to stand by the victims and defend their rights in court.

He emphasized that the current scenario is not typical and demands heightened accountability from the legal community. He acknowledged the support from lawyers, referring to them as the party's pillars of strength.

Reddy reminded them that without petitions and arguments, justice cannot be anticipated. He asserted that advocates play a crucial role and that their contributions are deeply valued by the party.

He declared that under the current TDP-led coalition, both justice and ethics have eroded. He pointed out that anyone identified as a political adversary is jailed without adequate evidence, describing this as a disgraceful political culture.

He claimed that confessions are extracted through coercion and bribes, and fabricated evidence is being generated. He labeled the present conditions as the worst ever witnessed and called on the legal community to take a definitive stand.

Reddy announced plans for a new mobile application that will allow citizens to report injustices and upload evidence, which will be stored in a digital library to facilitate actions against those abusing power. He assured the legal community that diligent efforts for the party will be acknowledged and remembered.

He reminisced about the support provided to lawyers during his administration, noting that ₹100 crore was allocated to the Advocates' Welfare Fund, and one-third of the insurance contributions were covered by the government. He also highlighted that reservations were extended to lawyers from marginalized sections in GP and AGP roles. He mentioned that the Law Nestham scheme benefitted many young advocates and reaffirmed that his administration always stood by the legal fraternity.