Hans News ServiceVijayawada/Visakhapatnam

Afierce political confrontation erupted after agriculture minister K Atchannaidu made allegations against YSRCP chief Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy, triggering a strong and emotional rebuttal from senior YSRCP leader Botcha Satyanarayana.

Addressing a press conference, Atchannaidu claimed that even leaders within former chief minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy’s own party such as Botcha Satyanarayana, in the past, raised suspicions about Jagan Mohan Reddy’s role in his father’s death. He alleged that Jagan was driven by an unrestrained ambition for power and would “stop at nothing” to become chief minister. The minister further revived past political controversies, accusing Jagan of amassing wealth during YSR’s tenure between 2004 and 2009 by leveraging his father’s position. He also questioned Jagan’s conduct during the period when YSR’s helicopter went missing in September 2009, demanding clarity on his whereabouts at that critical time.

Atchannaidu alleged that even before YSR’s death was officially confirmed, efforts were allegedly underway to mobilize support for Jagan’s elevation as chief minister. He also referred to attacks on a private company establishments following allegations made at the time, and later political developments involving individuals linked to the same corporate group. In a further escalation, the TDP leader drew parallels with the murder of Y S Vivekananda Reddy, suggesting a pattern of political ambition overriding relationships, remarks that added fuel to the already intense political confrontation.

Reacting strongly, YSRCP senior leader and Leader of Opposition in Legislative Council Botcha Satyanarayana lashed out at Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and the TDP, accusing them of resorting to “cheap and disgraceful politics” for political mileage. Satyanarayan turned emotional while recalling YSR, visibly moved as he condemned the remarks. “Is this the level of politics? Don’t they feel ashamed?” he said, alleging that the ruling party was deliberately making provocative statements to divert attention from the positive discussions around the MAVIGUN (Machilipatnam–Vijayawada–Guntur) proposal put forward by Jagan Mohan Reddy.

Satyanarayana asserted that the aggressive response from TDP leaders indicated political insecurity. “The intention is clear- divert the MAVIGUN debate and indulge in personal attacks. There is nothing beyond that,” he said.

He also criticised the repeated references to the late YS Rajasekhara Reddy, calling it inappropriate to drag a leader who passed away 15 years ago into current political battles. “Political discourse should have limits. Using deceased leaders for gain reflects the fall in standards,” he said.

Rejecting the allegations, Satyanarayana maintained that leadership discussions after YSR’s death were natural and that several senior leaders at the time had proposed Jagan’s name. He said there were still witnesses who could testify to those developments.

The YSRCP leader further accused TDP ministers of holding frequent press conferences to make “baseless and inflammatory” statements instead of focusing on governance. “If you work well, people will support you. Let the public decide,” he added.