Amaravati: The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) has launched a strong attack on the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP)–Jana Sena coalition, accusing it of serious violations in the implementation of the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS). YSRCP’s Panchayati Raj Wing state president, Vennapusa Ravindra Reddy, alleged that the TDP government is bypassing local governance structures and awarding NREGS-related works to contractors, which is depriving thousands of rural laborers of their rightful employment.
Violation of High Court Ruling
Ravindra Reddy highlighted that despite a clear High Court ruling that prohibits contractor involvement in NREGS, the TDP-led administration continues to ignore the verdict. He criticized the government for undermining democratic processes, as village sarpanches and ward members, who are supposed to oversee these projects, are sidelined in favor of private contractors.
YSRCP’s Planned Protest on February 17
In a bid to protest these violations, YSRCP leaders plan to visit all District Collectorate offices across the state on February 17, which coincides with Grievance Cell Day, to submit representation letters demanding that the government strictly adhere to the High Court’s verdict. The party insists that only projects approved through resolutions passed by village sarpanches should be sanctioned, ensuring that the funds reach the intended workforce rather than being diverted to politically connected contractors.
Accusations Against the TDP Government
Beyond the NREGS violations, Ravindra Reddy accused the TDP government of failing to secure central funds and misusing state resources, resulting in stagnation in rural development. He claimed that instead of strengthening local self-governance, the government has centralized decision-making, benefiting corporate interests over rural workers.
Targeting Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan
Ravindra Reddy also directed his criticism towards Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, describing him as a “mere follower” of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu. He claimed that despite the blatant violations of NREGS norms, Kalyan has remained silent and failed to advocate for rural communities and the labor force that heavily depends on the scheme for survival.
YSRCP’s Commitment to NREGS
The YSR Congress Party reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that NREGS funds directly benefit laborers and rural workers, as initially intended under the scheme. Ravindra Reddy emphasized that the party would continue to fight against mismanagement and corruption in the NREGS implementation and hold the government accountable for bypassing constitutional procedures.
Tensions Rise Ahead of February 17 Protest
With tensions escalating, the February 17 protest is expected to further increase pressure on the TDP government, especially as opposition scrutiny over rural development policies intensifies. It remains to be seen how the TDP-Jana Sena coalition will respond to these allegations or if they will continue their current approach.
