Red Book rule is crushing Gandhian values in Andhra Pradesh: YSRCP
YSRCP leaders allege the Andhra Pradesh government is using a "Red Book Constitution" to suppress dissent and undermine Gandhian values.
The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) has launched a scathing attack on the Andhra Pradesh government, accusing the ruling coalition of undermining democratic principles. During a commemorative event at the YSRCP Central Office in Tadepalli, party leaders alleged that the administration is operating under a so-called "Red Book Constitution" to silence dissent and suppress questioning voices across the state.
Tributes to Gandhi and Shastri turn into Political Critique
The remarks came during programmes organized to mark the birth anniversaries of Mahatma Gandhi and former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri. While paying floral tributes to the two leaders, YSRCP leaders Kurasala Kannababu, Velampalli Srinivas, Malladi Vishnu, and Lella Appireddy highlighted the historical contributions of Gandhi and Shastri to India's freedom and public life.
The party leaders argued that the current state government's approach is diametrically opposed to the ideals of non-violence championed by Mahatma Gandhi. They claimed that instead of peaceful discourse, the government has resorted to intimidation, specifically citing instances where farmers, employees, students, and women were met with lathi-charges while attempting to raise their grievances.
Allegations of Neglect and Recruitment Scandals
The YSRCP leaders further accused the state government of neglecting Gandhi's concept of Gram Swaraj. The political confrontation intensified as the party targeted Education Minister Nara Lokesh, drawing a sharp contrast with the legacy of Lal Bahadur Shastri.
Invoking the example of Shastri, who resigned as Railway Minister following a railway accident, the YSRCP questioned why Lokesh has remained in office despite mounting allegations regarding the Mega DSC-2025 teacher recruitment process. The YSRCP has demanded a CBI inquiry into the recruitment process and has called for the minister's resignation.
- The DSC Controversy: The opposition alleges irregularities in the teacher recruitment process, while the government maintains the process is transparent.
- Government Defense: Education Minister Nara Lokesh previously stated that the government has filled over 10,060 posts through the Mega Job Calendar, including 3,000 teacher positions, and defended the integrity of the DSC process.
- Scrutiny Measures: State officials have noted that candidates selected under the sports quota in the Mega DSC-2025 are undergoing scrutiny, with action promised if fraudulent certificates are found.
The Battle Over 'Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan'
The YSRCP leaders also invoked the iconic slogan “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan”, crediting former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy for giving practical meaning to the phrase through initiatives like free power for farmers and the Jalayagnam project.
The party claimed that the agricultural sector is currently in distress and asserted that YSRCP president YS Jagan Mohan Reddy remains a steadfast defender of the people's rights. As political tensions escalate, the YSRCP vowed to continue fighting for democratic rights and upholding the values of Gandhi and Shastri against what they describe as a repressive regime.