What Caused Tension During Jagan's Visit to Chittoor District?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Tension escalated during Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy's visit.
- Police restrictions were allegedly violated by YSRCP supporters.
- Several injuries were reported during the incident.
- The event highlighted farmers' ongoing struggles in Chittoor.
- Political tensions between the YSRCP and police were evident.
Chittoor, July 9 (NationPress) Tension gripped the area during former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy's visit to Chittoor district on Wednesday, as a significant number of YSRCP supporters assembled to greet him, reportedly breaching police-imposed restrictions.
To manage a near-stampede situation, police resorted to a lathi-charge, resulting in injuries to YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) leader Vijayananda Reddy, who fell from the convoy.
Several women participants also collapsed during the chaos. At one moment, Jagan Mohan Reddy exited his vehicle to confront the police regarding their actions.
Arriving by helicopter from Bengaluru, he intended to visit Bangarupalem to engage with mango farmers and address their issues.
Although the police had authorized only 30 individuals to greet Jagan at the helipad near Aragonda flyover, hundreds amassed there, creating a disturbance.
Despite restrictions against rallies or roadshows, a considerable number of vehicles joined Jagan's convoy from the helipad to the market yard.
Authorities had sanctioned only 500 individuals to accompany Jagan during his visit to the market yard. However, a large contingent of YSRCP supporters entered the market yard, causing further disorder.
The YSRCP criticized the police response during Jagan's visit. Former minister Ambati Rambabu described the police's conduct as reminiscent of British rule.
He claimed that police had imposed restrictions at every turn, issuing notices and executing arrests against thousands of party members.
Rambabu condemned Chittoor Superintendent of Police V.N. Manikanth Chandolu for allegedly acting under the influence of Minister Nara Lokesh, compromising the integrity of IPS officers.
“YS Jagan Mohan Reddy is a leader born from the people, for the people, and no lathis or illegal cases can stop the public's support for him,” stated YSRCP leader Sudhakar Babu.
They accused the state government of neglecting farmers' issues, noting that over 2.5 lakh acres of crops suffered damage in Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu's home district, Chittoor.
Mango farmers in Chittoor are compelled to discard their produce on the streets due to a lack of fair pricing.