Last week, YSR Congress Party president and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy announced that he would undertake another padayatra (foot march) after completing his district tours over the next couple of years.
It appears Jagan believes a padayatra is the most effective way to reconnect with the people, regain their trust, and highlight the shortcomings of the Chandrababu Naidu-led government.
On Thursday, YSRCP Krishna district president and former minister Perni Nani shared preliminary details about the plan, including insights into the proposed route map.
Nani stated that Jagan is preparing to launch the padayatra within the next two years, following a party plenary session.
He claimed that this upcoming foot march — dubbed Padayatra 2.0 — will be larger and more impactful than Jagan’s previous march in 2017–18.
"As part of Padayatra 2.0, Jagan plans to visit every village in the state," Nani said.
He emphasized that Andhra Pradesh has over 10,000 panchayats, and Jagan aims to interact with residents in each one, listening to their concerns and aspirations.
Nani also criticized the TDP-led alliance government, accusing it of targeting YSRCP leaders and workers with false cases.
He warned that power is temporary and urged the ruling alliance to avoid repeating past mistakes.
Citing the 2016 Godavari Pushkaram stampede, Nani alleged that then-Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu prioritized filming his river dip with family over public safety, resulting in the deaths of 30 people.
He provocatively questioned whether, by the same logic used against YSRCP leaders today, a victim's family could file a case holding Chandrababu accountable under IPC Section 302 (murder) during Jagan’s tenure as CM.
