AP Local Polls: Minister Durgesh accuses former PM Jagan of trying to derail elections for fear of defeat

Andhra Pradesh Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh at a press conference. File | Photo credit: The Hindu

Andhra Pradesh Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh has accused YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) president and former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy of trying to derail the local body elections out of fear of defeat, alleging that the opposition party has moved the courts to obstruct the election process.

In a statement on Friday (October 23, 2026), Mr. Durgesh said the YSRCP had lost public confidence and was trying to avoid electoral defeat through legal challenges. He alleged that the party resorted to violence and brought in rioters and bouncers from other states to create unrest during the elections.

Accusing Mr. Jagan of hypocrisy over unanimous elections, the minister pointed out that the former chief minister had praised unanimous victories during the YSRCP regime in 2021 but now questioned the practice. He alleged that candidates were forced to withdraw their nominations through intimidation during the tenure of the previous government.

Asserting that the coalition government was committed to conducting the elections democratically and peacefully, Mr. Durgesh claimed that the YSRCP had filed more nominations than the Telugu Desam Party, questioning how the coalition could be accused of thwarting the opposition when it allowed so many nominations.

He expressed confidence that the coalition would achieve a 100% strike, citing public satisfaction with the government’s performance over the past two years and the delivery of Super Six survey promises.

Destructive politics

Accusing Mr. Jagan of pursuing destructive policies, Mr. Durgesh cited the demolition of Praja Vedika early in the tenure of the previous government and alleged that politically motivated decisions on development projects and employment brought the state to a standstill.

He further alleged that the YSRCP was using court cases to obstruct elections and delay funds meant for local bodies, thereby affecting development and public welfare, and urged the State Election Commission to derecognize YSRCP as a political party and take strict action against the leaders responsible for the alleged violence in Punganur, Rayachoti, Thamballapalle, Tirupati, Kanigiri and Dharavaantapur.

Stating that in a democracy, the people have the ultimate decision-making power, the minister said neither court cases nor political accusations could overturn their verdict. He argued that winning the public’s trust was the true measure of political success.

Published – 24 Oct 2026 10:04 IST