Before the elections, TDP and Jana Sena leaders repeatedly claimed that the YSRCP government had pushed Andhra Pradesh into decline and destroyed institutions. They asserted that the state could return to the right path only if the coalition came to power. However, after assuming office, the coalition government's handling of several major alleged scams from the previous regime has surprised even TDP leaders. Instead of taking action, the government is alleged to have covered up these cases and entered into settlements with YSRCP leaders. The contrast between the coalition's pre-election promises and its actions after coming to power has become a major topic of discussion, even within government circles. During the previous government, it was alleged that then Chief Secretary Jawahar Reddy used his official position to learn in advance about decisions the YSRCP government was planning to take. Based on that information, he allegedly purchased hundreds of acres of land through benamis in the strategically important Anandapuram and Padmanabham mandals of Visakhapatnam.
The issue received widespread media coverage. Jana Sena corporator Murthy Yadav from Visakhapatnam also publicly raised these allegations during a press conference. Although Jawahar Reddy threatened to issue legal notices against Murthy Yadav, he reportedly remained silent thereafter, leading to claims that the allegations were true. It is well known that the previous government decided to allow the sale of assigned lands. Taking advantage of that decision, media reports alleged that then Chief Secretary Jawahar Reddy and several YSRCP leaders purchased large extents of land. Even after the coalition government assumed office, no action was reportedly taken. Instead, TDP leaders allege that a senior minister reached a settlement with "Kim and Team" over the matter, resulting in benefits worth hundreds of crores of rupees for those involved. They claim this is the reason why the case has remained dormant. According to them, this was one settlement, and now the same pattern has been repeated in the Daspalla lands issue.
As a result, some TDP leaders fear that a strong public perception is developing that the coalition government has colluded with the YSRCP on several issues. They believe this could have a significant impact in the next elections. According to political discussions, in the Daspalla lands issue, developers allegedly linked to the YSRCP and coalition leaders supporting them are expected to benefit more than the actual landowners. Observers say this reflects the close relationship between the two sides. The land is currently said to be in the possession of people close to key YSRCP leaders. Plans have reportedly been prepared to approve a 100-foot road through the Daspalla lands and facilitate the issuance of TDR (Transferable Development Rights) bonds worth thousands of crores of rupees, benefiting them substantially. Former YSRCP ministers and leaders, who had strongly criticised the same issue when the TDP was in power, are now remaining silent, political circles claim. Discussions suggest that they have fallen silent because each stakeholder has allegedly received their share in the deal.
Does Pawan Kalyan Not Know About These Developments,
or Is He Remaining Silent Despite Knowing?
Questions are also being raised about whether Jana Sena chief and Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan is unaware of the developments unfolding in Visakhapatnam, or whether he is choosing to remain silent despite knowing about them. During the previous government, it was the media and Jana Sena corporator Murthy Yadav who brought the alleged land irregularities involving former Chief Secretary Jawahar Reddy into the public domain. At the time, Jana Sena leaders strongly criticised the issue. However, they are now accused of conveniently forgetting the matter. Similarly, despite the ongoing controversy surrounding the Daspalla lands, neither Jana Sena leaders nor Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan have publicly addressed the issue.
This has led to various questions being raised about the party's stance. Pawan Kalyan had earlier claimed that, even while out of power, his network kept him informed about everything happening in the state. Political observers now question whether it is believable that, after becoming Deputy Chief Minister, he is unaware of developments taking place within the government. According to government circles, the overall impression is that all stakeholders are collectively protecting the alleged scams of the previous YSRCP government while deriving substantial benefits from them.