Did Chandrababu Naidu Diminish Political Standards?

Amaravati, June 23 (NationPress) - Following his police booking related to the tragic death of a man during his recent rally in Guntur district, former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy publicly criticized Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu for allegedly degrading the political standards in the state.

The President of the YSR Congress Party pointed to the initial comments made by the Guntur Superintendent of Police regarding the incident and questioned why the narrative shifted and became politicized.

He accused the ruling coalition of exploiting this tragic event as a diversion from their governance shortcomings. Jagan Mohan Reddy stated that his press conference aimed to shed light on unfulfilled commitments, corruption, and the financial mismanagement perpetrated by the current administration. Rather than addressing these issues, they resorted to tactics meant to distract.

In a statement on X, he reacted to the case filed against him, his aides, and several YSRCP leaders over the death of an individual during his rally on June 18.

Guntur District Superintendent of Police S. Satish Kumar informed the media that Cheeli Singaiah (65) died after being struck by Jagan Mohan Reddy’s vehicle.

The incident occurred on the National Highway at Etukuru village during a rally organized by Jagan Mohan Reddy from Tadepalli in Guntur district to Sattenapalli in Palnadu district.

The police officer stated that upon reviewing CCTV footage, drone images, video recordings, and witness accounts, it was determined that the deceased was under the wheels of Jagan Mohan Reddy’s vehicle. Consequently, the charges were amended to BNS 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) and 49 (abetment).

A case has now been filed against Jagan Mohan Reddy, his driver Ramana Reddy, Personal Assistant Nageswar Reddy, MP Y. V. Subba Reddy, and former ministers Perni Nani and Vidadala Rajini, who were all present in the vehicle.

In a detailed statement on X, Jagan Mohan Reddy raised several critical questions about the intentional restrictions imposed on his recent visit to Rentapalla in the Sattenapalli constituency.

He queried why opposition leaders, including himself, are being barred from visiting their party workers or showing support to farmers and citizens. He reminded Chandrababu that neither he nor Pawan Kalyan faced such limitations when the YSRCP was in power. He argued that this political vendetta jeopardizes not only democracy but also basic decency.

Jagan Mohan Reddy asserted that Z+ security for a former Chief Minister is a right rooted in protocol, just as it was for Chandrababu in the past and should be for others in the future. He noted that he adhered to all regulations and informed authorities in advance about his visit, yet the state failed to ensure adequate security measures.

He questioned the absence of pilot vehicles or rope parties during his visit, which are standard components of Z+ security. He demanded clarity: “Did the government neglect to provide security, or is the assertion that someone was run over false?”

Additionally, he pointed out that although the government did not provide a bulletproof vehicle, which is required by protocol, he arranged one at his own cost, using a government-assigned driver, while emphasizing that the government bears ultimate responsibility for the convoy's safety.

Upon learning of the unfortunate passing of his supporter Cheeli Singaiah, he promptly directed party leaders like Balasani Kiran and Ambati Rambabu to offer assistance. He also declared a compensation of ₹10 lakh to the victim’s family. He recalled that another supporter succumbed to a heart attack during the same tour, for whom he also extended similar support.

These actions reflect the regard he holds for his supporters and he questioned Chandrababu’s response in similar circumstances. He condemned the TDP for spreading falsehoods and challenged their moral authority to discuss humanity and ethical conduct.