YSRCP will return to power in next elections: Jagan

GUNTUR: YSR Congress Party president and former chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy expressed confidence that his party would bounce back to power in the next elections

Addressing a meeting of YSRCP leaders at Tadepalli on Thursday, Jagan said that the results of the Andhra Pradesh Assembly elections were surprising. "Despite implementing 99 percent of our manifesto promises and bringing revolutionary changes, the outcome reminded me of Shakuni's dice. However, we cannot speak without evidence," he said.

Jagan Mohan Reddy reassured party activists and supporters that he would do everything to support them. "We must stand by our activists who have supported us through thick and thin. They have carried our flags and endured hardships. We owe it to them to protect and support every social media worker and volunteer who stands with us," he said.

Acknowledging the party's strong voter base, Jagan Mohan Reddy highlighted that the YSR Congress Party still garnered 40% of the votes despite the setback. He pointed out that this was only a 10% decrease from the 2019 elections, attributing the loss to the deceptive tactics of Chandrababu Naidu. "Even today, Jagan does not tell lies or cheat. Some may argue that more assurances from Chandrababu would have been better, but I believe that lying and cheating for power is unjust," he said.

The former chief minister outlined plans to reconnect with the public and strengthen the party's grassroots presence. "We will do programs to get closer to the people and fight on their behalf. Despite having fewer numbers in the assembly, we will continue to stand with the people and address their concerns," he said.

Jagan Mohan Reddy also criticised the TDP Government's approach, mentioning that important welfare schemes like Vidya Deevena, Rythu Bharosa, and Amma Odi were pending.

Highlighting his government's achievements, Jagan Mohan Reddy detailed how they distributed Rs 2.7 lakh crore through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), provided Amma Odi to 54 lakh mothers, and supported 53 lakh farmers through Rythu Bharosa. He mentioned the significant reforms in education, healthcare, and agriculture, along with steps taken for women's empowerment and land reforms.

"Despite the challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, we have taken unprecedented steps to alleviate poverty and bring about radical changes in various sectors. We have reformed the education sector for quality studies, introduced Arogya Sri for free medical treatment up to 25 lakhs, and appointed 54 thousand medical personnel. Our agriculture support through RBKs and land reforms with guaranteed titles are revolutionary changes," he emphasised.

Jagan Mohan Reddy continued, "We have supported women through the Disha app for their safety and provided governance without bribes and discrimination. We have empowered women by appointing 15,000 surveyors and ensuring clean land records. These changes have never happened before in our state's history."

He urged his supporters to stay hopeful and resilient. "Remove the feeling of defeat from your mind. Realise that we are not defeated. We have done good in every house, and we will be able to go among the people with respect. As time goes by, our degree of affection will manifest itself. Again, we will win with a record majority," he said.