Andhra Pradesh politics witnessed another sharp escalation on Thursday as Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu hit out at YSRCP president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, stating that it would take him “just two minutes” to bring “Jagan and his company” under control.

The remarks, made during a marathon Cabinet meeting at the State Secretariat in Amaravati, underscored the ruling alliance’s increasingly aggressive political strategy ahead of local body elections. Beyond a routine administrative review, the meeting took on a political dimension, with discussions centred on responding to the YSRCP on multiple fronts.

Mr. Naidu accused the Opposition of spreading misinformation on the Mega DSC recruitment process and directed Ministers to counter what he described as a sustained propaganda. He reportedly said that several opposition leaders were hiding behind politics while engaging in unlawful activities and asserted that the government possessed sufficient evidence to expose them.

Flays ‘campaign' against DSC

Taking a swipe at the YSRCP leaders, Mr. Naidu reportedly said the YSRCP’s “ganja batch” had sought to portray itself as the voice of Generation Z. The Opposition was spreading misinformation regarding the government’s recruitment process for the District Selection Committee (DSC) examinations. The government had already clarified the provisions relating to horizontal and vertical reservations, he reportedly said and questioned the basis of the Opposition’s campaign. The courts had expressed serious reservations about some of the allegations raised by YSRCP leaders, Mr. Naidu reportedly remarked.

Mr. Naidu’s harshest criticism was reserved for Mr. Jagan’s recent visit to Devarapalli. Alleging that YSRCP workers had damaged tobacco stocks, agricultural fields and commercial establishments, Mr. Naidu accused the Opposition of disturbing peace in the region under the guise of political activity.

Further, Mr. Naidu sought to revive the debate over the Disha legislation, arguing that the law had never officially come into force despite the widespread promotion of Disha police stations and vehicles during the YSRCP administration.

Growth agenda

The Velugonda project would be inaugurated later this month, the Chief Minister said, reiterating the government’s commitment to addressing drinking water shortages caused by possible El Niño conditions.

The much-publicised Quantum Valley project would be launched in January, he added.

Highlighting the inauguration of the Bhogapuram International Airport, Mr. Naidu described it as a symbol of the State’s renewed development trajectory and urged Ministers to popularise the concepts of “Swarna Andhra” and “Viksit Bharat”.

Political observers believe the Chief Minister’s unusually strong remarks signal a decisive shift from a defensive posture to an openly confrontational approach as the ruling coalition prepares for an intense electoral battle with the YSRCP in the coming months.

Published - August 06, 2026 08:44 pm IST