Date: August 02, 2024

TDP Criticizes YS Jagan’s Delhi Dharnas: A New Political Drama?

TDP’s Critique of YS Jagan’s Delhi Protest

The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has sharply criticized YSR Congress party president YS Jaganmohan Reddy over his planned dharna in Delhi on July 24. Senior TDP Lok Sabha MP Daggumalla Prasada Rao labeled the protest as a “political drama” intended to shift focus from pressing state issues. Rao questioned Reddy’s intentions, noting that the former Chief Minister has not previously staged a dharna in the national capital to address state development concerns.

Historical Context of Reddy’s Delhi Visits

Rao emphasized that YS Jaganmohan Reddy’s visits to Delhi have primarily been for legal matters rather than addressing Andhra Pradesh’s problems. He accused Reddy of using this dharna as another “fake campaign” to mislead the public and distract from real issues. Rao also recalled past incidents, alleging that Reddy had staged various dramas, including a “self-inflicted stone-throwing incident” during election campaigns.

TDP’s Response to Allegations

TDP MP Putta Mahesh Kumar from Eluru defended his party’s track record, arguing that TDP has consistently focused on state development. Kumar criticized Reddy for trying to cast the TDP in a negative light and blamed him for issues that the TDP has not caused. The TDP contends that Reddy’s tactics are designed to divert attention from genuine state matters.

Violence Allegations and Party Suffering

In response to allegations of violence, the TDP leader pointed out that their party endured significant hardship under the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) government. The TDP contends that Reddy is exaggerating the situation and misleading the public about the party’s role.

Appeal to the People of Andhra Pradesh

The TDP appealed to the people of Andhra Pradesh to see through what they term as diversionary tactics. They argue that Reddy’s dharna is a strategy to deflect attention from assembly issues and the TDP’s efforts to secure central funds for state development. TDP MPs B Nagaraju Panchalinga from Kurnool and M Sribharat from Visakhapatnam also supported the party’s stance during the press conference.

YSRCP’s Planned Delhi Protest

Last week, YS Jaganmohan Reddy announced a peaceful protest in New Delhi on July 24, aiming to highlight “the lawlessness and anarchy” in Andhra Pradesh under the NDA government. The TDP, as a significant ally of the BJP-led NDA at both state and central levels, is keenly observing these developments.