Amaravati, Jul 12 (PTI) YSRCP leader YS Jagan Mohan Reddy accused Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday of suppressing dissent through the “blatant misuse” of police authority, creating a chilling environment reminiscent of a dictatorship.

In a post on ‘X’, the former chief minister referenced several instances from his travels throughout the state, stating, “The right to question, protest, and assemble is fundamental to democracy, allowing citizens to voice their grievances and seek accountability.”

“In Andhra Pradesh, however, this essential democratic process is being brutally stifled by the authoritarian regime led by Chandrababu Naidu,” Reddy added. He claimed that any effort by the public or opposition to express valid concerns is met with oppression, intimidation, and fabricated legal charges, leaving no space for dissent.

The opposition leader asserted that this purported systematic attack on democratic freedoms undermines the very foundation of democracy in the state. Recalling his visits to Guntur Mirchi Yard on February 19, Ramagiri on April 8, Podili on June 11, Sattenapalli on June 18, and Bangarupalyam on July 9, along with the government’s subsequent actions, Reddy emphasized that the intent is unmistakable. He alleged that the government aims to obscure the systematic suppression of the opposition, the public, and the democratic process.

During his visit to Guntur Mirchi Yard to address the issue of inadequate prices for chilli farmers, the YSRCP leader claimed that a case was filed against him, similar to the situation during his visit to Ramagiri, where he went to comfort the family of YSRCP BC leader Kuruba Lingamaiah, who was reportedly murdered by TDP supporters.

Similarly, Reddy noted that his visit to Podili to discuss the lack of fair prices for tobacco farmers led to three cases being filed, the arrest of 15 farmers and four others, although he pointed out that the courts ultimately intervened to assist them.

“When I went to console the family of a YSRCP leader who took his own life due to alleged police misconduct, the state reacted by filing 5 cases, issuing 131 notices, and remanding two individuals for displaying a movie poster,” he stated, referencing his visit to Sattenapalli (Rentapalla).

Reflecting on his latest trip to Bangarupalyam to assist mango farmers, Reddy claimed that five cases were registered and 20 individuals were detained.

According to the YSRCP leader, these 20 individuals who were detained were not officially recorded as arrested in the last two days nor presented in court.

“In every case, the authorities name three or four individuals while making vague references to ‘others,’ which allows them to indiscriminately target additional people later,” he remarked.

“During each of my visits, the police are exerting all their efforts to restrict the movement of the public,” he continued, noting that YSRCP leaders and party members receive advance notices, and in many instances, they are confined to their homes to prevent their participation in events.

“Even farmers are being halted, interrogated, and filmed at various checkpoints. These oppressive measures, including lathi charges and limitations on public gatherings, demonstrate that the government is abusing police resources to suppress opposition and intimidate dissent through legal harassment,” Reddy asserted.

Naidu’s actions, characterized by fabricated cases, arrests, and media manipulation, reflect a desperate effort to maintain power by stifling democratic expression, the opposition leader stated.

Naidu is silencing the voiceless and undermining the very essence of democracy, leaving citizens with no means to contest injustice or assert their rights, despite the unfulfilled promises of misgovernance by the current administration,” he added.

“Democracy was not adhered to; it was distorted. Reddy recalls this only after his electoral defeat,” stated Deepak Reddy, responding to YSRCP’s grievances and advocating for the TDP’s comeback as a reflection of public will. PTI STH MS KH