Jagan’s promises have made TDP jittery, says Roja

‘State has no achievements to its credit’

YSRC legislator R.K. Roja addressing the media in Tirupati on Tuesday.

Nagari MLA R.K. Roja on Tuesday asserted that the recent plenary session held by the YSR Congress Party had shaken Telugu Desam Party cadres to the core as they might have realised that the end to their rule was not far away.

Speaking to the media, Ms. Roja said the ‘nine promises’ made by party president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy and the subsequent reactions by TDP leaders were indicative of their failures in the past three years.

“Concerned about losing their footing in the State, they have resorted to mudslinging. Mr. Jagan, who has been interacting with people across the State for the last seven years, evaluated the shortcomings and how to address them. This, in the form of the nine promises, has created tension among TDP cadres,” she said. Ms. Roja said those who voted for N. Chandrababu Naidu would now regret their decision as his rule was focused on ‘looting the people.’ On the reported statement of Civil Supplies Minister Paritala Sunitha that the YSRCP had no respect for women, Ms. Roja said their party leader was Vijayamma and women members were being treated well in the party.

“The State Cabinet had three women ministers and after expansion their number came down to two. Orders for de-notifying highways to accommodate wine shops and inaction over girl student deaths shows the regard the TDP has for women,” she said.

Kishor’s appointment

Responding to the allegation that the ‘nine promises’ were not feasible, Ms. Roja said Mr. Jagan along with all the party cadres would be ready to explain the same. Rejecting the criticism on the appointment of political strategist Prashant Kishor, Ms. Roja said it was not about leading the party but taking good advice.

“If that was the case then, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar should not be considered as proper leaders,” she said.

The MLA downplayed the statements of Panchayat Raj Minister Nara Lokesh, saying they have to answer to the people about illegal sand mining and the land scam in Vizag and demanded that they prove themselves right by ordering a CBI inquiry.