‘Illegal liquor shops, sand loot…’: Jagan Reddy attacks TDP-NDA govt, says ‘all DIGs are mafia dons’ in Andhra

Reddy also said that all DIG-level officers are mafia dons in the state, alleging that illegal liquor shops are running in the villages of the state with the "blessings of the police”

Andhra Pradesh opposition leader Jagan Mohan Reddy on July 16 (Wednesday) said the YSRCP is the only party in the state that is addressing the concerns of various sections of the people and questioning the TDP-led NDA government over its alleged deceptions.

He further alleged that the TDP-led NDA government is using DIG-level officers as "collection agents" to extract kickbacks from sand, liquor, and other cash-rich activities in various constituencies.

He alleged that kickbacks from these activities are being funnelled to local MLAs, as well as to Naidu and the State Minister for HRD, IT and Electronics, Nara Lokesh.

Reddy also said that all DIG-level officers are mafia dons in the state, alleging that illegal liquor shops are running in the villages of the state with the "blessings of the police”.

Speaking to news agency ANI, he said, "All the DIGs in the state of Andhra Pradesh are mafia dons controlling those zones...Today, all the belt shops in every village are unauthorised, yet you find these belt shops in every village running and flourishing. They are selling liquor above the MRP only because they have the blessings of the police.”

“Today, in every constituency, sand is being transported left, right and centre. Earlier, the government was getting revenues in the form of Rs 750 crores per annum through sand. Now, in the name of free sand, sand is being looted today,” he further alleged.

Reddy said “sanctioned unauthorised clubs are running in the constituencies, left, right and centre,” adding, “any industry, any mine which is to be operated, would have to pay money.”

#WATCH | Vijayawada: Former Andhra Pradesh CM and YSRCP President YS Jagan Mohan Reddy says "All the DIGs in the state of Andhra Pradesh are mafia dons controlling those zones... Today, all the belt shops in every village are unauthorised, yet you find these belt shops in every… pic.twitter.com/A0sL23M0tf

— ANI (@ANI) July 16, 2025

Addressing a press conference at the YSRCP central office in Tadepalli, Reddy said the YSRCP is the only party responding to the concerns of various sections of people, including farmers, women, unemployed youth, students, and government employees, according to news agency PTI.

"The only remaining opposition party in the state is the YSRCP. Today, it is the only party responding to the difficulties faced by the people, whether it's farmers, women, unemployed youth, students, or even government employees," Reddy said.

Pointing out that democracy, law and order, and the overall political climate have become "questionable" under the N Chandrababu Naidu-led government, Reddy claimed the YSRCP is the only party raising questions, particularly over 143 "unfulfilled poll promises".

According to the YSRCP chief, a climate of fear is prevailing in the state amid alleged "conspiracies orchestrated" by Naidu.

Recalling several of his visits across the state in recent months, Reddy claimed the government has been deploying police to prevent people from attending his meetings and has allegedly filed cases against some of those who did attend.

He stressed, however, that political parties have the right to reach out to the public and hold meetings.

Alleging that Naidu is "misusing the police" to obstruct his visits, Reddy said the Andhra Pradesh police department—once known for its exemplary work and people-friendly reforms—is now witnessing resignations.

Citing the case of young IPS officer Siddarth Kaushal, who recently resigned, Reddy claimed that officers who do not toe the line of the NDA government are "being harassed".

He further alleged that Naidu is "withholding no-objection certificates for officials seeking deputation to Delhi".

"If the police are strong, criminals will leave the state—but instead, good officers are the ones leaving," he said, adding that hundreds of police personnel, including several senior IPS officers, are allegedly being harassed with false cases and denied postings.

Reddy also issued a warning to Naidu and the officials aligning with him, stating that they would "face the consequences" of their actions, while asserting that the NDA government may last only another three years.

The YSRCP chief vowed that the opposition party would not be intimidated by the alleged fake cases filed against its leaders and cadres, and promised to continue fighting on behalf of the people.

"Your (Naidu’s) government may last another three years—after that, we will return. I am warning both you and the officials toeing your line by filing cases: you will pay back with interest. You will reap what you sow. Don’t forget this," Reddy claimed.

Meanwhile, there was no immediate response from the TDP, according to news agency PTI.

With inputs from agencies