Jagan declares next polls a battle between Amaravati and Mavigun

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

YSR Congress Party president and former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has reignited the Andhra Pradesh capital debate by reaffirming his party’s commitment to the proposed “Mavigun” concept, declaring that the next Assembly elections would effectively become a contest between Amaravati and Mavigun.

Addressing a press conference at Tadepalli on Wednesday, Jagan asserted that the YSRCP would continue to stand by the Mavigun proposal and include it in its election manifesto. He claimed the upcoming elections would serve as a referendum on the state’s capital model, with voters deciding whether to back Amaravati or his party’s alternative vision.

Rejecting allegations that he was opposed to Amaravati, Jagan maintained that his opposition was directed at what he described as corruption and financial irregularities in the name of capital development. “We are not against Amaravati. We are against corruption in Amaravati,” he said, alleging that exorbitant payments were being made to contractors under the guise of capital construction. He argued that Mavigun offered natural advantages and existing infrastructure while ensuring transparent development.

The former Chief Minister also launched a sharp attack on the coalition government over governance, accusing it of failing to attract fresh industries and foreign investments while allowing corruption to flourish. He alleged that wealth generated through corrupt practices was being diverted abroad instead of creating employment opportunities within the state.

Coining the slogan “Hey Ram, Save Andhra,” Jagan accused the government of presiding over a complete collapse of law and order. He alleged that the police machinery was being misused to target political opponents and claimed that victims were increasingly being portrayed as accused in criminal cases. 

Referring to recent incidents, including the Sai Krishna custodial death case, he questioned why senior officials had not been held accountable and demanded an impartial investigation. Jagan also criticised the government’s decision to permit liquor sales through beach shacks, alleging that it would damage the state’s social fabric and family-friendly public spaces.

On the politically sensitive Dalit Christian reservation issue, the YSRCP chief urged the Telugu Desam Party to clarify its official stand before the Justice Balakrishnan Commission. He reiterated his party’s support for Dalit Christians, arguing that religious conversion does not alter a person’s social status.

Concluding his address, Jagan accused the coalition government of weakening democratic institutions, targeting opposition leaders through false cases and abandoning farmers and welfare programmes.