YSRCP Strengthens Amid Repression: Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy Confident
YSR Congress Party General Secretary Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy has strongly criticized the current state government led by Nara Chandrababu Naidu, alleging that it has ushered in an undemocratic regime under the guise of a "Red Book Constitution" within just one year of coming to power. He accused the administration of systematically dismantling democratic institutions and weaponizing the police force to harass opposition leaders and party workers with fabricated cases.
Speaking to the media on Saturday, Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy stated, “Since coming to power, the Chandrababu Naidu government has been undermining democratic values in the state. Before the elections, they said there would be a ‘Red Book Constitution’ and a ‘Red Book Rule.’ We thought it was mere rhetoric, but we are now witnessing its consequences.” He cited the recent case filed against YSR Congress senior leader and former minister Kakani Govardhan Reddy as a prime example.
Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy claimed that cases are being concocted without any evidence. “They are inventing fictional stories, creating characters, propagating them through their friendly media for days, then arresting individuals and coercing confessions,” he alleged. He also expressed concern that incidents from a decade ago are being revived to influence public perception and falsely justify arrests. “This began with social media activists and has now reached our leadership,” he said.
He asserted that such repressive measures are only strengthening the resolve of YSR Congress Party leaders and workers. “They might imprison our leaders for a month or two, but they come out stronger,” he remarked. He warned that once the police system derails, it becomes extremely difficult to restore order, adding that this is the current state of affairs in Andhra Pradesh. He referred to incidents in Tenali and Kavali, where public misconduct and vulgar performances were reportedly ignored by authorities. “Goondaism is clearly visible in khaki uniforms. Some officials have turned into stooges of the government and are supporting this lawlessness,” Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy alleged.
He cautioned that Chandrababu Naidu seems unaware of the dangerous consequences that will arise from the seeds he is sowing today. “Unable to fulfill his promises, he is trying to silence dissent by creating a reign of terror. Behind this anarchy, large-scale looting is underway,” he claimed. He stated that targeting senior leaders like Kakani Govardhan Reddy is a deliberate attempt to weaken the party, but insisted this would not succeed. “No one can do anything to a determined leader like Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy or to a party like YSR Congress. In fact, these actions are only making us stronger. For that, we thank Chandrababu Naidu,” Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy commented sarcastically.
He pointed out that during the YSR Congress government’s tenure, cases were filed only after thorough investigations and concrete evidence. He claimed the same procedure was followed during the arrest of Chandrababu Naidu. However, he criticized the current administration for allegedly filing baseless cases as part of a vindictive agenda. “In Kakani Govardhan Reddy’s case, they initially filed bail-worthy sections, but when those didn't hold, they added stringent laws like the SC/ST Atrocities Act and the Explosives Act,” he alleged. He further stated that when bail is granted in one case, new cases are being filed to ensure continued imprisonment, citing Nandigam Suresh as an example.
Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy concluded that such undemocratic practices will not last long, as public dissatisfaction with the government's conduct is already growing. “If powerful political leaders can be harassed so easily, imagine the plight of ordinary citizens, journalists, and those who wish to speak out. This is extremely appalling,” he said. He warned that if the government fails to course-correct and restore institutional integrity, it will have to face grave consequences in the future.