Andhra IT Minister protests attack on CM Jagan Reddy, cites "rising popularity" as reason

Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) [India], April 14 (ANI): State Industries Minister and Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSR) candidate for Gajuwaka constituency, Gudivada Amarnath, led a protest condemning the recent attack on Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy stating that Telugu Desam Party (TDP) national president Chandrababu Naidu and other leaders are attacking Jaganmohan Reddy because of his increasing popularity in the state.
On Saturday evening, CM Jagan was left with a deep cut above his left eyebrow, narrowly missing his eyes, after an unidentified person hurled a stone at the chief minister during the 'Memantha Siddham' bus yatra in Vijayawada, said sources.
The party sources further informed that the CM was immediately administered first aid on the bus and CM Jagan continued his bus journey after receiving first aid, they added.
Condemning the attack on Chief Minister Jaganmohan Reddy on Saturday, key leaders and activists of Minister Amarnath's party staged a protest at Gajuwaka. They tied black clothes to their heads protested on the road and shouted slogans against Chandrababu.
"Chandrababu down down.. Shame.. Shame Chandrababu," they chanted. Amidst chanting Amarnath warned that such attacks will not be tolerated and called for immediate action against the perpetrators.
Emphasizing the Chief Minister's increasing popularity in the state, Amarnath stated, "No matter how many people like Chandrababu Naidu come, they cannot do anything to Jagan Mohan Reddy, and all the people of the state will stand by him." He also asserted that Dr. Ambedkar's ideals will protect democracy in the state.
Former MLA Chintalapudi Venkataramaiah, Tippala Devan Reddy, Tippala Vamsi Reddy, Civil Supplies Corporation Director Molli Chinna Yadav, Gondeshi Satya Rao, Krishna Rao, Gorusu Ramadevi and other dignitaries were also present during the protest.
Meanwhile, Chandrababu Naidu has condemned the attack on CM Jagan Mohan Reddy and demanded the Election Commission of India (ECI) for an "impartial and unbiased" inquiry into the incident.
Taking to X, the former Chief Minister said, "I strongly condemn the attack on @ysjagan. I request the @ECISVEEP to initiate an impartial and unbiased inquiry into the incident and punish the responsible officials."
Significantly, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), BJP and the Jana Sena Party (JSP) announced earlier that it would contest the Lok Sabha and assembly elections in the state jointly. The state has 25 Lok Sabha seats and 175 assembly constituencies.
The assembly and Lok Sabha elections in Andhra Pradesh are scheduled to be held simultaneously on May 13, with the counting of votes scheduled for June 4.
For a party to form the government on its own in the state, it is required to win 88 of the 175 assembly seats. (ANI)