Hans News Service Vijayawada

Financeminister Payyavula Keshav and BJP MP C M Ramesh launched a sharp counterattack against YSRCP chief Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy on Saturday, accusing the YS family of institutionalising faction and violence-based politics in Andhra Pradesh.

Addressing reporters along with Ramesh in Vijayawada, Keshav alleged that factional politics and the criminalisation of political culture in the state originated under the YS family. He asserted that the YS family were “the accused, not the victims,” and accused Jagan of attempting to rewrite political history through emotional narratives.

The minister alleged that political intimidation, violent factionalism and misuse of influence had become entrenched in parts of Rayalaseema during the era of Y S Raja Reddy. He claimed the TDP was considering compiling and publishing incidents linked to faction violence in Pulivendula politics.

Keshav accused the YSRCP of weakening institutions, damaging industrial growth and disrupting projects during its tenure. He said the “axe image” associated with the YSRCP had gained public traction because of the party’s political conduct over the years.

BJP MP Ramesh alleged that Jagan was attempting to project himself as a victim in order to divert attention from the murder case of former minister Y S Vivekananda Reddy.