Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu launched a fierce rebuttal against his predecessor Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy in the state assembly on 25 July 2024, drawing a controversial comparison to Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar. This criticism followed a protest by Reddy in Delhi, where he showcased images and videos highlighting alleged violence in the state, accusing Naidu and his party of targeting YSR Congress workers and leaders.
In the assembly, Naidu remarked, “Pablo Escobar is a Colombian drug lord, he is a Narco terrorist. He turned politician and then started his cartel to sell drugs. He earned 30 Billion Dollars at that time, now it’s 90 Billion Dollars worth. He was arrested in 1976 and in 1980 he became the number one richest drug lord in the world. One can become richer by selling drugs as well. What was the aim of former Chief Minister (YS Jagan)? Tata, Reliance, Ambani have money and he aspired to become richer than them. Few have needs, few have greed and few have mania and these maniacs do these kinds of things.”
#WATCH | In Andhra Pradesh Assembly, CM N Chandrababu Naidu says, "Pablo Escobar is a Colombian drug lord, he is a Narco terrorist. He turned politician and then started his cartel to sell drugs. He earned 30 Billion Dollars at that time, now it’s 90 Billion Dollars worth. He was… pic.twitter.com/z7JGGj05DF
— ANI (@ANI) July 25, 2024
In his speech, Chandrababu Naidu vowed to review all criminal cases from the YSR Congress regime, pledging to hold accountable police officers who allegedly fabricated charges against thousands. He blamed the lawlessness from 2019 to 2024 on a police-criminal nexus exacerbated by some YSRCP leaders pursuing personal vendettas.
Naidu criticized Reddy’s leadership, likening him to Pablo Escobar, and condemned the rise in murders, assaults, and drug-related crimes during his term. He released a white paper detailing the law and order situation in the state from 2019 to 2024, asserting that Reddy’s administration exhibited traits of ‘state terrorism’ driven by an extreme pursuit of power.
Naidu also highlighted issues such as the mysterious murder of former MP Y.S. Vivekananda Reddy, the alleged murder by YSRCP MLC Ananta Satya Udaya Bhaskar, and other severe incidents, which he attributed to a sadistic mindset among Mr. Reddy and his associates.
Furthermore, he criticized the subjugation of police officers under YSRCP rule, noting their forced transfer to ‘vacancy reserve’ where they faced salary stoppages and pressure. He cautioned lawmakers against retaliatory actions, urging them to avoid actions that could lead to further trouble for the government.
(With Inputs From The Hindu)
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