Andhra Pradesh Politics – Minister Targets Jagan Over Devarapalli Visit and BC Bill Debate
Andhra Pradesh Politics – The political confrontation between the ruling NDA government in Andhra Pradesh and the opposition YSR Congress Party intensified on Thursday after Revenue, Registration and Stamps Minister Anagani Satya Prasad criticized former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy over his visit to Devarapalli. The minister alleged that the YSRCP chief was focusing on political activities instead of addressing issues affecting the public and accused him of attempting to generate unnecessary political attention through his visits.
Minister Questions Jagan’s Public Outreach
While speaking to reporters, Satya Prasad claimed that Jagan Mohan Reddy’s visits often create inconvenience for local residents due to administrative and security arrangements. Referring to the former chief minister’s tour of Devarapalli, the minister said people in the area were likely to experience similar disruptions. He further alleged that several challenges currently facing Andhra Pradesh were linked to decisions taken during the previous YSRCP administration, escalating the ongoing exchange of allegations between the ruling coalition and the opposition.
Government Highlights Proposed BC Bill
During the media interaction, Satya Prasad also outlined the government’s priorities, particularly the proposed Backward Classes (BC) Bill. According to the minister, the legislation is intended to fulfill one of the key promises made by the Telugu Desam Party-led NDA alliance during the 2024 Andhra Pradesh Assembly elections.
He said the state government remains committed to implementing welfare measures for Backward Classes and described the proposed legislation as an important initiative aimed at strengthening social welfare and expanding opportunities for the community. The minister added that the government intends to move forward with its election commitments through policy measures and legislative action.
Support for Tobacco Farmers Reiterated
The minister also addressed concerns related to tobacco cultivation, stating that the government has consistently extended support to tobacco farmers. He said assistance had already been provided to growers during the previous season and assured that the administration would continue introducing measures to protect the interests of cultivators facing market-related challenges.
According to Satya Prasad, the government remains in touch with stakeholders and is working on solutions intended to improve the overall situation for tobacco farmers across the state.
Political Tensions Continue Across Andhra Pradesh
The latest remarks come amid continuing political rivalry between the ruling alliance and the YSR Congress Party. Leaders from both sides have frequently criticized each other’s approach to governance, welfare initiatives and agricultural policies.
In recent weeks, Jagan Mohan Reddy has been touring different districts of Andhra Pradesh, meeting local residents and farmers while raising issues that he says require immediate government attention. His visits have become a focal point of political debate, with the ruling coalition questioning their intent and the opposition maintaining that they are aimed at highlighting public concerns.
Jagan Raises Procurement Concerns
Earlier, during his visit to East Godavari district, Jagan Mohan Reddy inspected a tobacco procurement centre at Devarapalli and reviewed the procurement process. He also interacted with tobacco farmers to understand the difficulties they are facing regarding cultivation expenses, procurement and market prices.
After meeting the farmers, the former chief minister accused the coalition government of failing to respond adequately to the problems faced by tobacco cultivators. He said production costs had increased significantly while procurement prices had continued to decline. Jagan further alleged that market manipulation and coordinated pricing by traders were placing farmers under severe financial pressure.
According to him, many cultivators who had expected assured procurement were left disappointed, forcing some to sell their produce at lower prices. He urged the government to take effective steps to ensure fair prices, transparent procurement and stronger protection for tobacco farmers facing economic uncertainty.