Pemmassani’s remarks against Jagan “outrageous”: YSRCP

Political temperatures in the state have escalated sharply , with controversial remarks made by Union Minister Pemmassani Chandrasekhar at the foundation-laying event for the BR Stadium development works in Guntur triggering a major row.

YSRCP National Media Spokesperson Shaik Mahaboob Sharif strongly condemned the comments directed at former Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy. He said it was inappropriate for a Union Minister holding a constitutional post to make statements that could incite violence, and demanded that he resign immediately .

The controversy is understood to have stemmed from Jagan’s criticism of the state’s industrial development. Earlier, Jagan alleged that the present coalition government was “indulging in credit theft” over the ArcelorMittal steel plant project. He recalled that during his 2022 Davos visit , he had personally held discussions with ArcelorMittal CEO Aditya Mittal and reached a preliminary understanding on setting up the plant in the state.

He further stated that the company had then agreed to invest ₹4,800 crore in the Greenko project in Kurnool, and that land at Nakkapalli had been finalised before the elections. Jagan criticised the government for attempting to claim credit for projects “brought in through our efforts.”

Apart from ArcelorMittal, Jagan also alleged government neglect towards the proposed bulk drug park at Nakkapalli. He said the project had stalled due to politically motivated land disputes , depriving thousands of youth of potential employment opportunities.

In response to these criticisms, Pemmassani reportedly said that criticism of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu would not be tolerated, and made remarks suggesting that eliminating the former Chief Minister would not be difficult , sparking outrage across political circles.

Reacting to this, Sharif said Pemmassani was “intoxicated by power” and warned that people would not remain silent if such provocative statements were made against Jagan, whom he described as a leader “in the hearts of the people.” He asserted that the public would respond through democratic means .

YSRCP leaders also alleged that public dissatisfaction with the coalition government was growing, accusing it of prioritising vendetta politics over development .