The ruling Telugu Desam Party in Andhra Pradesh has expressed surprise over YSR Congress Party president Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy’s decision to visit the family of his party leader K Nagamalleshwara Rao, deputy sarpanch of Rentapalla village in Palnadu district, more than a year after his death.
Nagamalleshwara Rao died by suicide on June 11, 2024 — just a week after the YSRCP lost power in the assembly elections and two days before N Chandrababu Naidu was sworn in as chief minister, forming the coalition government.
Senior TDP leader and State Irrigation Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu criticized Jagan for blaming the coalition government for Nagamalleshwara Rao’s death, pointing out that it occurred before the new administration had even taken office.
He questioned Jagan’s sudden interest in conducting an “Odarpu Yatra” (a condolence tour) more than a year later.
“Nagamalleshwara Rao died in June 2024 after consuming pesticide and receiving treatment in a hospital. Why is Jagan remembering him now?” Ramanaidu asked.
He further alleged that Jagan has no moral standing in politics and accused him of only showing solidarity with individuals linked to betting or drug-related cases.
“Blaming the coalition government for Nagamalleshwara Rao’s death is baseless. He was reportedly addicted to betting and had lost lakhs of rupees. Locals have confirmed this,” the minister said.
Ramanaidu added, “Connecting his death to the present government is nothing but foolishness. Jagan is clearly trying to disrupt peace and law and order in the state, damaging its image in the process.”
He also accused Jagan of disregarding democratic norms and police protocol.
“It is strange that Jagan chose to visit the family of a person who died due to betting addiction, despite being denied police permission for the visit,” he said.
“Instead of a solemn condolence visit, Jagan created a war-like atmosphere — with DJs, slogans, garlands, dancing, and loud celebrations. Condolence meetings should be respectful. But this was political incitement, not mourning,” Ramanaidu said.
