TDP’s Buddha Venkanna Criticizes Jagan’s Farmer Outreach
In a sharp political exchange, senior Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leader Buddha Venkanna has accused former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy of visiting cyclone-hit farmers not out of compassion but “out of spite.” The remarks came after Jagan’s recent tour of affected regions, which Venkanna described as resembling a “raid” rather than a relief mission.
Venkanna questioned the timing and intent behind Jagan’s visit, stating that the former CM was notably absent during the peak of the cyclone crisis. “Where was he when farmers were crying for help? Now he walks into their fields with cameras and convoy,” Venkanna said during a press interaction.
The recent cyclone that battered parts of coastal Andhra Pradesh left many farmers devastated, with crops submerged and livelihoods disrupted. Relief efforts have been underway, but political parties are now clashing over who truly stood by the people.
TDP leaders argue that their cadre was on the ground from day one, distributing essentials and coordinating with local officials. They claim Jagan’s visit was a calculated move to regain lost ground ahead of upcoming elections.
Meanwhile, YSRCP supporters maintain that Jagan’s presence brought attention to the crisis and pushed for faster rehabilitation. However, critics say the visit lacked empathy and was more about optics than action.
Local farmers expressed mixed reactions. Some welcomed Jagan’s visit, hoping it would accelerate compensation and crop insurance. Others echoed Venkanna’s concerns, saying they felt “used” for political mileage.
A farmer from Konaseema remarked, “We need help, not headlines. Let leaders come with solutions, not speeches.”
This exchange adds fuel to the already heated political climate in Andhra Pradesh. With elections approaching, parties are ramping up their outreach, and every move is under scrutiny.
TDP is positioning itself as the party of action, while YSRCP defends its governance record. CPI and other regional parties are also mobilizing around issues like BC census and anti-privatization, adding layers to the political narrative.
