Amaravati:

The Election Commission on Monday censured YSRCP supremo and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy and opposition leader N Chandrababu Naidu for violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), directing them to “remain careful during public utterances”.

The poll body recognised that both the leaders have violated the provisions of the MCC by attacking each other with derogatory personal attacks during public addresses while electioneering in the southern state over the past several days.

“Therefore, the Commission…strongly censures Jagan Mohan Reddy, president, YSRCP with the direction to remain careful in his public utterances in the future,” said Avinash Kumar, Principal Secretary, Election Commission, in an order addressed to the chief minister.

Mr Kumar issued a similar order to Telugu Desam Party (TDP) supremo Mr Naidu. “The Election Commission took note of Reddy hurling taunts such as ‘habitual offender’, ‘rogue’, ‘sadist’, and others at Naidu, including portraying him as a villainous character in some Tollywood movies.” It also recognised the fact that Naidu took jibes at Reddy such as ‘venom spewing’, ‘mayala fakir’ (evil movie character), ‘fake fellow’ and others.

Further, the Election Commission observed that both the leaders have not denied in their replies to the show case notices of using such words and statements, and also continued doing so.

Hence, it directed Mr Naidu and Mr Reddy to remain careful in their public addresses in the future.

“The Commission expects that all political leaders follow the provisions of the MCC in letter and spirit, setting up an example for the political discourse,” the poll body added.

Elections for the 175-member Assembly and 25 Lok Sabha seats in Andhra Pradesh are scheduled on May 13 and counting of votes will be on June 4.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Kuppam:

Kuppam Assembly constituency in Andhra Pradesh, the home turf of TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu, is witnessing an unprecedented political upheaval as the unshakable loyalty of its residents towards Naidu and his party is being put to the test by the magnetic pull of the incumbent government’s welfare schemes.

This tug-of-war between steadfast party loyalties and the tempting promise of populist benefits has left the TDP in a panic, making it desperately re-strategise to hold on to a bastion that is suddenly teetering.

In 2019, alarm bells rang as Naidu’s vote share plunged to 55.18 per cent – his worst-ever showing in a place that had handed him resounding mandates since 1989.

The rise of Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy’s YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) in 2014 injected potent competition into this one-sided battlefield, throwing Naidu’s supremacy into question and forcing the TDP to brace for a fight of its life in what was once considered a sacrosanct citadel.

As the campaign trail heats up, voices from across Kuppam’s villages and mandals reflect a diverse array of perspectives.

Speaking to PTI, Auto driver Yogender from Shantipuram Mandal expresses a desire to “give YSR Congress party one more chance,” while farmer Vasanthamma from Gudipalli mandala acknowledges a “tough fight between TDP and YSRCP.” 

The YSRCP’s 35-year-old fiery candidate, KRJ Bharath, has garnered support from residents like Sujatha, a farmer from Kuppam Mandal, who believes “Jagan is distributing wealth to the poor.” Small farmer B Muniswamy from Nalagampalle village echoes this sentiment, having benefited from the incumbent government’s welfare schemes to the tune of Rs 2.20 lakh over the past five years.

The loyalty to the TDP remains deeply ingrained.

Thimmappa, a farmer from Abbakunta village, proudly declares, “we are a joint family of 80 voters, and we have always voted for one party and one person, i.e., TDP’s Naidu.” Others, like K Ramamurthy from Shantipuram mandal, share tales of ‘victimisation’ by the “YSR Congress government’s rowdyism,” fueling their unwavering support for the TDP.

The allure of welfare schemes is a double-edged sword, with some arguing that Jagan has failed to live up to the expectations set by his father, former Chief Minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy.

Balaji, a businessman, warns against the dependency created by “free welfare schemes,” advocating for a visionary leader who can lay a strong foundation for development and attract investments to the bifurcated state.

He raises some valid concerns, insisting that simply providing free handouts without a long-term economic vision could create unhealthy dependencies and hinder sustainable development in the state.

It highlights the difficult balance politicians must strike between meeting the immediate needs of the poor while still pursuing policies that create lasting prosperity and opportunities. Balaji’s perspective adds some nuance to the debate around welfare versus a more development-focused economic approach.

Naidu, 74, has lambasted the “tremendous anti-incumbency”, accusing Jagan’s regime of “destroying the ecosystem of development” while instituting “chaos” and hobbling state institutions.

Yet the aging warhorse exudes confidence his TDP-BJP-Jana Sena alliance will capture 24 of 25 parliamentary seats and 160 of 175 assembly berths in the upcoming twin polls on May 13.

Amid the charged atmosphere, Congress candidate A Govindarajulu, a political novice, harbours the modest ambition of improving on his party’s paltry 3,800-vote tally – potentially splintering opposition votes and helping the TDP.

As the Kuppam clash reaches fever pitch, it has crystalised into a microcosm of Andhra’s roiling political upheaval. Will Naidu’s unshakable bastion withstand the populist tsunami, or will it capsize under the weight of welfarism? The ramifications of this pivotal showdown will be seismic, shaping not just Kuppam’s future but charting the trajectory of a state standing at a crossroads between entitlements and empowerment, dependence and development. For both camps, the stakes could not be higher.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

New Delhi:

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has betrayed the people of the state and destroyed their future, his predecessor and Telugu Desam Party president N Chandrababu Naidu told NDTV in an exclusive interview on the campaign trail.

Andhra Pradesh is among the four states where Assembly polls are being held alongside the general election. Mr Naidu’s TDP has tied up with the BJP to take on Jagan Mohan Reddy’s YSCRP, which scored a thumping win in the 2019 state polls.

Speaking to NDTV at Srikakulam, Mr Naidu said TDP is doing “extremely well” and that he has no doubt about a good show. “It is only a matter of numbers. People have decided, people have realised what they have lost in the last five years. Now I am seeing the response. This is my 10th election. Today, there is an extraordinary response. Every section of people is annoyed, frustrated. They want to protect the state. It is not my election, it is the election of the five crore people of Andhra Pradesh, their future and the future of their children,” he said.

Before his government was voted out, Mr Naidu had started building Amaravati into the new capital of Andhra Pradesh after the state was bifurcated to create Telangana. Work, however, slowed down after Mr Reddy took over and decided to develop three capital cities — Amaravati as legislative capital, Visakhapatnam as executive capital and Kurnool as judicial capital. The proposal was challenged in court, and the High Court struck it down. The YSRCP government has now approached the Supreme Court.

The TDP chief said the uncertainty over a capital city is among the most important issues in this election. “A capital is very important. Tamil Nadu can proudly say Chennai, Telangana can say Hyderabad, Karnataka Bangalore. After 10 years, we don’t have an address, which is our capital? Jagan (Mohan Reddy) is saying three capitals. Has it been successful anywhere in the world?” he asked.

Mr Reddy, he said, has betrayed the people of Andhra Pradesh. “Bifurcation is a painful process. But, the five-year rule of Jagan Mohan reddy has done more damage than bifurcation. My duty is to protect the state and its future. I laid a very strong foundation for Hyderabad and wealth was created. Here, in Amarvati, I got everything done, but he destroyed the future of Andhra in the name of three capitals,” he said.

TDP’s return to the NDA comes six years after a bitter separation over Mr Naidu’s demand for a special status for Andhra Pradesh. Asked about his return to the NDA fold, he said, “I tried to get special status, but it didn’t happen. But I got so many things, 11 all-India institutes of education and health, IIT, IIM, IISER, NIT, AIIMS.

They (Centre) gave money, clearances for Amravati, capital gains exemption for farmers, all this I got, and today, we have lost everything. But with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision and my experience, we will make Andhra Pradesh the best,” he said.

The Prime Minister, he said, is planning for 2047. “He wants to make India and Indians no 1 globally. We want to coordinate with the central government and fulfil aspirations of the Telugu community, that is my dream. I am confident that we will do justice,” he said.

Mr Naidu, who is also the Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly, stressed that the state’s economy is in bad shape due to the YSRCP government’s policies. “Bluffing the poor is not the correct approach, creation of wealth is important, you have to balance welfare and development, only then will there will be a sustainable ecosystem. Now it’s corruption and looting the state. Opportunities have been destroyed. All institutions have been destabilised, this is chaos. Government properties have been mortgaged. He (Reddy) is thinking only about today, not tomorrow. He has borrowed 13 lakh crores,” he said.

On a question on the allegations of corruption against him, the TDP chief said, “Could they produce even one piece of evidence? Political victimisation is different. He (Reddy) has a vast track record. He wanted to throw mud at me, he is trying his best, but the nation knows my character. For 45 years, I have survived in politics for my credibility, honesty, integrity. No one can question it.”

Mr Naidu was also asked about the Congress’s claims that Prime Minister Modi is a no factor as far as elections in south India are concerned. “The situation has changed. Earlier, regional parties were dominant. People are thinking differently now. Local leadership with strong national leadership will help us,” he said.

On the recent incident in which a stone was thrown at Chief Minister Reddy, leaving him injured, Mr Naidu said, “The Chief Minister is a habitual liar. A small stone that is not visible or traceable, and he is claiming an assassination attempt. This is just drama, every election he needs drama. He is a good drama actor.”

Nara Lokesh, TDP supremo N. Chandrababu Naidu and the party’s candidate for the Mangalagiri seat, speaks at an election rally. File
| Photo Credit: HANDOUT

TDP supremo N. Chandrababu Naidu’s son Nara Lokesh has declared his family assets worth nearly ₹542.7 crore. Mr. Lokesh is in the assembly poll fray from Mangalagiri segment in Andhra Pradesh where he is set to take on YSR Congress candidate M, Lavanya.

He declared ₹373.63 crore as his family assets in 2019 assembly polls.

The TDP leader holds over one crore shares of Heritage Foods Ltd floated by his family worth ₹339.11 crore at ₹337.85 apiece. His wife Nara Brahmani is currently Executive Director of Heritage Foods.

According to the affidavit, Mr. Lokesh holds ₹314.68 crore worth of movable assets and ₹92.31 crore worth immovable assets while his wife has ₹45.06 crore and ₹35.59 crore assets respectively.

Elections for the 175-member Assembly and 25 Lok Sabha seats in Andhra Pradesh are to be held on May 13.

Amaravathi:

The Election Commission has issued a notice to Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief N Chandrababu Naidu for alleged derogatory remarks against Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy.

The TDP chief was issued notice on Thursday for purportedly violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) during his campaign speeches on March 31 by allegedly referring to CM Jagan as “Monster,” “Animal,” “Thief,” and various other offensive terms.

As per the notice issued by the Chief Electoral Officer of Andhra Pradesh, Naidu has been given 48 hours to provide an explanation regarding the derogatory remarks made against the YSR Congress Party and its leader, Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy.

The notice was issued following a complaint filed by Lella Appi Reddy, State General Secretary of the Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP), and another individual.

According to the notice, TDP Chief N Chandrababu Naidu, during his campaign rallies held in Yemmiganur, Markapuram, and Bapatla constituencies, reportedly used derogatory language, referring to Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy as a Monster, Animal, Thief and various other insulting and offensive terms.

The Election Commission has reviewed the speeches in question, which were provided in a pen drive, and has determined that they prima facie violate provisions of the Model Code of Conduct.

The Assembly and Lok Sabha elections in Andhra Pradesh are scheduled for May 13, with vote counting set for June 4.

Notably, the Andhra Pradesh Assembly consists of 175 seats and a party would need at least 88 seats to form a government.

In the 2014 Assembly elections, the Chandrababu Naidu-led TDP won with a majority of 102 seats. Jagan Mohan Reddy-led YSRCP won 67 seats. The BJP could only win four seats by contesting against the two regional heavyweights.

In the 2019 Assembly elections, the YSRCP won with a thumping majority of 151 seats, while the TDP was confined to 23 seats.

The election for 543 Lok Sabha seats in the country will be held in seven phases starting April 19. The counting of votes for the Lok Sabha as well as the assemblies will take place on June 4.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

New Delhi:

Telugu Desam Party president N Chandrababu Naidu met Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday and held talks over the possibility of an alliance between the BJP and the regional party for the Lok Sabha and Assembly polls, which will be held simultaneously in Andhra Pradesh.

The TDP was part of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance but exited in 2018 when Mr Naidu was the state’s chief minister.

BJP president J P Nadda was also part of the deliberations, sources said, adding that both parties are open to joining hands but a lot will depend on whether they reach a mutually agreeable seat-sharing arrangement.

However, the second meeting between the two leaders in as many months has brightened such a prospect.

TDP leaders said any more delay in an alliance formation would not be beneficial as the elections are approaching and any lingering ambiguity would confuse party workers and supporters.

Actor Pawan Kalyan-led Jana Sena Party, which has been a member of the NDA, has already joined hands with the TDP and has been urging the BJP to follow suit.

Mr Kalyan also joined the meeting with Shah. Earlier, Naidu met with leaders, including MPs, of the TDP.

The development comes amid growing indications that the BJP and the Biju Janata Dal, which is in power in Odisha, are on the verge of finalising their alliance as senior leaders of the two parties held separate meetings on Wednesday and dropped hints of such a possibility.

Mr Naidu had met Amit Shah and BJP president J P Nadda in February, bolstering a speculation that they were headed for an alliance even though things have not crystallised so far.

Sources said both the parties have had differences over the number of seats the BJP would fight in the state where it does not have much presence.

The state has 25 Lok Sabha and 175 Assembly seats and the BJP is keen to contest eight to 10 parliamentary constituencies.

Sources in the TDP, however, said the BJP might contest on five to six Lok Sabha seats in case of an alliance, the Jana Sena three and their party the rest.

What has complicated matters for the BJP is that Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy, the president of the YSR Congress, has been unambiguously supportive of the Modi government’s agenda in Parliament and shares a good personal rapport with its senior leaders.

The BJP has been working to expand the NDA for some time as it eyes a bigger victory in the Lok Sabha polls, expected in April-May.

With the ruling party eyeing a third term under PM Modi and having set a target for winning 370 seats on its own and 400 with allies, there is a view within the BJP that joining hands with regional parties positively disposed to its agenda will be helpful.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Amaravati:

Nara Bhuvaneswari, wife of jailed TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu will embark on a tour of Andhra Pradesh – ‘Nijam Gelavali” (truth shall triumph) as part of efforts to reach out to the people. She would visit families of people who reportedly died after hearing about the arrest of former chief minister Naidu.

Bhuvaneswari’s tour plan is being formulated to ensure that she covers at least two to three places a week.

Also, ‘Bhavishyathuku Guarantee’ (guarantee for the future) programme which came to a halt following Naidu’s arrest in the Skill Development Corporation scam case will be resumed with TDP general secretary Nara Lokesh spearheading it, a TDP press release said on Thursday.

Meanwhile, the principal opposition party in the state will conduct a meeting in the next few days to chalk out its future plans and programmes.

Naidu is lodged in the Rajamahendravaram central prison for allegedly misappropriating funds from the Skill Development Corporation, which resulted in a purported loss of over Rs 300 crore to the state exchequer.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

New Delhi:

TDP National General Secretary Nara Lokesh has said that the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister is putting false cases against them and it’s nothing but a political witch-hunt.

Nara Lokesh and party supporters on Monday staged a hunger strike at Lodhi Estate in Delhi against the arrest of TDP Chief and former Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu.

The party workers held ‘I am with CBN’ posters demanding the release of Former Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu.

“Mr Naidu is known for efficiency, transparency and integrity. Today, we have a madman as the CM of Andhra Pradesh and he is putting false cases against a credible politician. It’s nothing but a political witch-hunt. They have kept two cases ready, in case Naidu gets bail in this case, he can be put on remand again in two other cases,” Nara Lokesh said.

He further said that the government is putting false cases against him too and also threatened to put his wife and mother in jail.

“It’s not just him, they have put false cases against me. They have now given a notice to appear in a matter totally unrelated to my ministry when I was the minister. They are sending notices to numerous people. They’ve also threatened to put cases against my wife and my mother and send them to jail. This is the kind of madman administration that we are dealing with in the state of Andhra Pradesh,” Nara Lokesh added.

“So I urge every Indian to stand and support Mr Naidu,” he said.

From candle marches to rallies, TDP workers have been demanding the release of Chandrababu Naidu by showcasing their outrage across the country.

Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP chief, N Chandrababu Naidu, was arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on September 9 in connection with the multi-crore skill development scam case.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Hyderabad:

N Chandrababu Naidu, chief of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, was arrested today over allegations of corruption and shifted to Vijayawada.

Mr Naidu was arrested early this morning by officers of Andhra Pradesh Criminal Investigation Department following high drama after midnight.

Late last night, the officers reached a function hall at Nandyal and served an arrest warrant to Mr Naidu. However, they could not take him into custody as the TDP chief’s supporters protested.

A minor scuffle also broke out between the cops and Mr Naidu’s supporters.

As TDP supporters throw questions at cops during the altercation, the police officers are heard saying that they have evidence and that the remand report contains everything.

In the notice served to Mr Naidu, senior officer of CID’s Economic Offences Wing M Dhanunjayudu said, “It is to inform you that you have been arrested… at 6 am at R K Function Hall, Gnanapuram, H/o Moolasagaram, Nandyala town and it is a non-bailable offence.”

The former Chief Minister has been charged under sections for criminal conspiracy, cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property and 465. The Prevention of Corruption Act has also been invoked.