Jagan Lashes Out at Opposition for its Politics of Vengeance'

Vijayawada: Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has lashed out at Telugu Desam chief N. Chandrababu Naidu for inciting people to violence and blamed his son Lokesh and ‘foster son’ Pawan Kalyan for practising a ‘politics of vengeance’.

In a sharp reaction to the statements from the Opposition leaders, who claimed that once they were elected to power, “they would not leave their opponents” and that they wanted to “see the end of their enemies,” the CM wondered what kind of justice can be expected from them if they run the next government.

He targeted TD chief Naidu and asked the people whether it was possible to avail welfare schemes without offering a bribe during the TD rule. He also asked whether Naidu ensured social justice during the TD rule, and slammed its chief for “not giving political positions” to SCs, STs, BCs, minorities and women.

Wondering whether Naidu thought of the future of the state’s children, he said the TD chief was trying to create hurdles for introduction of English as a medium of instruction in government schools.

Claiming credit for the issuing of 30 lakh land pattas, he asked where it was possible when Naidu was in power and slammed him for causing legal hurdles to the construction of houses.

Referring to Naidu’s age at 75, he having become CM nearly 28 years ago and having had 14 years of experience as CM, Jagan Mohan Reddy asked the people whether they remember any welfare scheme initiated by Naidu during his rule.

He said, “I appeal to you all that you should think why Naidu should be in the chair of CM and also why his adopted son Pawan Kalyan wants him to be the CM. I wonder if one of these persons becomes CM, what kind of good they would do for the society.”

“Our government has launched several welfare schemes worth nearly Rs 2.31 lakh crore to benefit you all in four years. Our state remains the same and our annual budget is also the same. You all think about this: when it is possible for me to do so, why had Naidu failed? Moreover, our debt growth has also come down.”

Jagan Mohan Reddy blamed Naidu for inciting people to violence by using provocative words and said this resulted in 47 police personnel getting injured while one of them even lost his eyesight at Angallu. He asked why such a leader should be given police protection.

He took potshots at Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan for supporting Naidu and doing ‘politics on dead bodies.’ He faulted the opposition parties for even targeting the village/ward volunteers when they were doing a good service to the people by taking the welfare schemes to their doorsteps.

He said, “The opposition parties may promise you to give a kilo of gold, a Benz car and a house. But, I ask you to think as to which leader is committed to work for your welfare. You decide whether you want a good government. I want you all to stand by me as a soldier to support me and I also want your blessings in the upcoming polls. I want to do more good to you all in the days to come.”