Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy exuded confidence on Thursday as he declared that the YSRCP was poised to secure a victory in Andhra Pradesh once again, following the conclusion of vote counting on June 4.
Addressing members of the I-PAC team at their office in Benz Circle, Vijayawada, the CM recalled the unexpected triumph of the YSRCP, which won 151 Assembly seats in the 2019 elections, defying expectations. He asserted the party’s determination to surpass that accomplishment this time, aiming for a higher count of seats, alongside securing 22 MP seats. “We are set to surpass our 2019 record, capturing the attention of the entire nation during the election results on June 4,” CM Jagan confidently stated.
Acknowledging the instrumental role of the YSRCP government’s efficient administration and the sustained efforts of the I-PAC team over the past 18 months, CM Jagan emphasised the invaluable contributions of the team. “The services rendered by the I-PAC team are immeasurable,” he remarked, drawing enthusiastic applause from the team members. This interaction mirrored similar engagements following the 2019 elections.
Highlighting the services of the I-PAC, CM Jagan affirmed the commitment of the YSRCP government to enhance the welfare of the people over the next five years.
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He expressed his intent to continue the journey of collaboration between YSRCP and IPAC in the future.
Recalling his remarks during the 2019 swearing-in ceremony, CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy emphasised the importance of the government’s positive impact on the people, driving the party’s campaign for votes in the 2024 elections. True to his word, the CM swiftly implemented welfare and developmental initiatives upon assuming office, benefiting the people of Andhra Pradesh.
Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the YSRCP government successfully implemented welfare schemes and spearheaded development initiatives, setting a benchmark nationwide. Following two years of pandemic-induced devastation, the government’s swift recovery surprised many.
The YSRCP government stands out as the only administration in the country to disburse over Rs 2.70 lakh crore through DBT without discrimination, equivalent to almost a year’s state budget. Fulfilling 99% of the promises outlined in its manifesto, the CM Jagan-led government generated 2.31 lakh employment opportunities during its tenure.
Post-pandemic, CM Jagan initiated the ‘Gadapa Gadapa Ku Mana Prabuthavam’ (Mass public interaction programme), urging legislative colleagues, ministers, and leaders to visit every household to address the citizens’ concerns. This sustained engagement, along with extensive outreach efforts like ‘Siddham’ meetings and the ‘Memantha Siddham Bus Yatra’, bolstered the party’s connection with the people.
Despite facing adversity, including an attack during the bus yatra in Vijayawada that left him injured, CM Jagan persisted and concluded the campaign successfully. The public response to his political meetings in crucial constituencies was overwhelmingly positive, further boosting the party’s prospects.
In addition to CM Jagan’s efforts, the support of the YSRCP’s NRI wing proved pivotal in conveying the government’s welfare and developmental achievements to the voters. Furthermore, volunteers, despite facing challenges, continued to support the YSRCP’s inclusive agenda, emerging as influential campaigners for the party.
Throughout the lead-up to the 2024 elections, the I-PAC played a crucial role in guiding the party’s strategies, ensuring a cohesive and effective campaign aimed at securing victory.
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CM takes a jab at Prashant Kishor
Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy took a jab at Prashant Kishor saying, “It’s not about the individuals, it’s about the I-PAC team!” It was a moment that had everyone chuckling, especially considering Kishor’s dalliance with the Opposition.
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ECI suspends two SPs and shifts one
PNS n Vijayawada
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has taken strong action in response to the recent outbreaks of post-election violence across Palnadu, Anantapur, and Tirupati districts. As a result, the Commission has suspended the Superintendents of Police (SPs) in Palnadu and Anantapur districts, namely Bindhu Madhav and Amit Bardar respectively. Additionally, a departmental inquiry has been initiated into these suspensions.
Furthermore, the Commission has ordered the transfer of Palnadu’s District Collector, Siva Sankar Lotheti, and Tirupati’s SP, Krishna Kanth Patel. These decisions come alongside the initiation of departmental inquiries. The orders about the suspension of two SPs and the transfer of a District Collector and SP were issued today by the Election Commission.
In addition to these measures, the Election Commission has also directed the suspension of 12 subordinate police officials across the three affected districts and initiated departmental inquiries against them.
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A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been tasked with investigating these incidents and submitting an action taken report to the Commission within two days for each case. The Commission has also mandated the updating of FIRs with additional appropriate IPC sections and relevant statutory provisions.
Recalling the severity of the situation, the Election Commission has summoned the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police (DGP) of Andhra Pradesh to New Delhi to provide a personal explanation for the failure of the administration to contain the post-election violence.
Numerous incidents of violence, including assaults, arson, threats, damage to campaign vehicles, and stone-pelting, were reported in the districts of Anantapur, Palnadu, and Tirupati during and after polling days. Additionally, pre-poll incidents occurred, predominantly in Annamaya, Chittoor, and Palnadu districts, with a few reported in Guntur, Anantapur, and Nandyal.
During a meeting at Nirvachan Sadan in New Delhi on Thursday, chaired by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar and Election Commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, the Commission expressed its dismay over the post-election violence in Andhra Pradesh. The Chief Secretary and DGP were directed to ensure that such violence does not recur, with all SPs instructed to take preemptive measures to prevent similar situations in the future.
Furthermore, the Commission has decided to request the Ministry of Home Affairs to retain 25 CRPF companies in Andhra Pradesh for 15 days following the announcement of election results to control any potential violence.
