The Only Vociferous Opposition In AP

The TRS is struggling to clamp down the opposition parties, BJP and Congress, in neighbouring Telangana while YCP government is enjoying complete freedom in Andhra Pradesh with the main Opposition TDP being reduced to a miniscule.

However, two individuals, one an incumbent MP and the other an ex-MP, have been acting as the opposition lambasting the YCP government and Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy on every sensitive issue happening in the state.

These elected representatives have taken up the role of the opposition and have been castigating the ruling YCP and its policies vociferously with the TDP’s voice getting meek by the day.

Rebellious RRR

Incumbent MP K. Raghu Ramakrishna Raju, had even turned into a rebel in the YCP criticizing and denouncing the party for the last two years. He began lambasting the YCP about two years ago and had opposed it on several fronts, including auctioning of TTD lands, introducing English as the main medium of instruction in primary schools, move to shift the capital to Vizag, illegal mining of sand and irregularities in the implementation of several schemes like ‘Pedalandariki Illu’.

Through his ‘Rachabanda’ programme held almost daily, he had been faulting the YCP government on every point, including the several court cases being filed on petty issues and moving the higher courts whenever the lower courts passed orders against the government’s moves.

His remarks and statements have been hogging the headlines and his popularity had only gone several notches higher, so much so that he even could manage to get his security cover increased, citing threat to his life.

Unable to withstand the onslaught by RRR, the YCP government pleaded for his disqualification in the Parliament but with no headway in this aspect, RRR was even lifted from his residence in neighbouring Telangana, shifted to Andhra Pradesh jail in the unceremonious way and thrashed while in custody.

Also, RRR has been repeatedly filing petitions in the courts against the YCP’s decisions by pointing out the nitty-gritty and trying to get the MLAs and others booked in several cases of assault and illegal activities.

Undavalli’s nuggets

Similarly, ex-MP Undavalli Arun Kumar too had been opposing Jagan and his policies in connection with unkept promises in the AP Reorganisation Act, like the special category status and Polavaram.

He had been crying foul in the manner the state had been split behind the closed doors without media coverage. He had been continuously goading the YCP government to file affidavits and raise the injustice done to the state in the Parliament, giving assurances that there would be no problem to him in connection with the numerous cases filed against him in the disproportionate cases filed against him by the CBI.

He even had been advising Jagan on the points he can raise in connection with the injustice done to the state both in the Parliament and even in the court, being an advocate himself.

Undavalli had been criticizing both the YCP and TDP in the same tone for being subordinate to Modi’s government at the Centre.

Interestingly, both RRR and Undavalli are all praises for Jagan’s father and former Chief Minister Late Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy. Both of them point out to the differences between YSR and Jagan in their demeanour and handling of several delicate issues. They also seem to be giving more respect and honour to TDP president and former CM
N. Chandrababu Naidu than Jagan.