BJP and TDP both harming the nations democratic fabric and economic stability: Chintha Mohan

Vijayawada, FEB 17 : Former Union Minister and senior Congress leader Chinta Mohan launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led central government and the TDP-led Andhra Pradesh government during a press conference. Addressing key national and state issues, he criticized policies that, according to him, are harming the nation’s democratic fabric and economic stability.

Temples Being Used for Financial Gains

BJP Chief Ministers are visiting Tirupati under the pretext of world temple summits, Mohan alleged. He criticized Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu for traveling by a special aircraft for these events, questioning the real purpose behind such gatherings.

He further accused the government of exploiting temple names to benefit a businessman from Bombay by awarding lucrative sanitation contracts in the health department. “Using temples as a cover for financial deals is unethical, and I strongly condemn this act,” Mohan asserted. He also took a swipe at Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis, stating that he is stooping to new lows.

Modi’s U.S. Visit – A Bid to Shield Adani?

According to Mohan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to the United States was not for strengthening diplomatic ties but to protect Adani from legal troubles. “For the past year, Adani has been struggling with cases in the U.S. Despite sending hundreds of representatives, Biden refused to help. Now, with Trump back, Modi has been sent to negotiate and get the cases dismissed,” he alleged.

Mohan claimed that such actions tarnish India’s global reputation. He emphasized that previous Indian Prime Ministers, including Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, P.V. Narasimha Rao, and Manmohan Singh, met only U.S. Presidents during their visits, not lower-level officials.

EVM Tampering Allegations

Raising concerns over electoral integrity, Mohan pointed to a petition filed in the Supreme Court regarding Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). “The judgment in this case is riddled with corruption. Our democracy and press freedom are under threat,” he warned.

He lamented that despite Congress maintaining its ideological stance and working hard in the elections, the party lost due to alleged EVM manipulation by the BJP.

Kumbh Mela Tragedy & Delhi Railway Station Disaster

Mohan accused the government of covering up the Kumbh Mela tragedy, where thousands reportedly died. “The bodies were secretly cremated in Ghaziabad without informing their families,” he alleged.

Referring to the Delhi Railway Station accident, in which over 100 people perished, Mohan demanded the resignation of Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. “The minister should take moral responsibility and step down,” he said.

Alarming Situation in Andhra Pradesh

Mohan painted a grim picture of the situation in Andhra Pradesh, citing safety concerns for female students in Anantapur’s Central University. “Female students are being photographed while using restrooms, yet the government remains silent,” he said, questioning Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu’s inaction.

Highlighting the deteriorating healthcare sector, he warned of an impending public health crisis. “Hospitals are running out of syringes and medicines. A disease similar to COVID is emerging, yet the government is unprepared,” he claimed.

Mohan also criticized the government’s failure to support farmers, stating that chili farmers in Guntur and tomato farmers in Rayalaseema are struggling with unfair pricing. “Naidu promised ₹20,000 to farmers, but not a single rupee has been disbursed,” he alleged.

Calling for equitable development, he urged the government to allocate funds across the state instead of focusing only on Amaravati. “Instead of spending ₹1 lakh crore in Tullur, the government must invest in backward districts like Kurnool, Srikakulam, and Vizianagaram,” he demanded.

Corruption in Polavaram Project

Mohan echoed public concerns over corruption in the Polavaram irrigation project. “People believe a former Chief Minister looted ₹6,000 crore. If there’s nothing to hide, why is the current CM afraid of ordering an inquiry?” he questioned.

Backward Communities Neglected

Mohan highlighted the worsening conditions of SCs and STs, crediting Congress for securing reservations for marginalized communities. “It was due to the efforts of Gandhi, Nehru, and Ambedkar that SCs received 15% and STs 7.5% reservations. The Congress party under Sonia Gandhi and Arjun Singh ensured 27% reservations for OBCs in education and employment,” he stated.

Public Fear of Jagan, Discontent with Naidu

According to Mohan, Andhra Pradesh voters supported the alliance parties out of fear of Jagan Mohan Reddy’s return. “People were terrified of what would happen to their lives if Jagan came back,” he said.

However, he noted rising dissatisfaction with Chandrababu Naidu’s government. “His ‘Super 6’ promises remain unfulfilled, leaving people frustrated. Due to SC categorization, 90% of the Mala community in Andhra Pradesh is angry at Naidu. Students, unemployed youth, and farmers are also growing restless,” he observed.

Mohan concluded by asserting that the Congress Party remains the only hope for the people. However, he admitted that the party failed in its political strategy and needs to realign its approach.