YSRCP creating hurdles in local body polls by approaching courts: Naidu

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu waves to people from his vehicle at Mogalthur in West Godavari district on Tuesday. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has accused the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) of trying to create hurdles in the conduct of local body elections by approaching courts.Addressing a gathering of villagers from the Praja Vedika platform after disbursing NTR Bharosa pensions in Mogalthur village in West Godavari district on Tuesday (September 1, 2026), Mr. Naidu claimed that all the recent poll surveys were giving a clear mandate to the NDA and that was creating fear among the YSRCP leadership.“The YSRCP leadership is warning its leaders of serious consequences against unanimous elections in the upcoming local bodies. What can they do if the people choose their leader unanimously? The government had been encouraging unanimous elections for creating a peaceful atmosphere in the village, and that is why local body elections are conducted without any party symbol,” he said, without directly referring to YSRCP chief Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy’s remarks asking his leaders to ensure that there were no unanimous elections in the coming local body elections.Mr. Naidu said he was conducting direct elections to municipal corporations and municipalities to ensure that people elected a leader of their choice for a five-year period. The Chief Minister said it was he who had increased the reservation for Backward Classes in local body elections to 34%, which the YSRCP failed to protect. “Now we want to provide 34% reservations but the YSRCP has approached the court. Similarly, it had approached the court seeking conduct of elections only after the completion of Special Intensive Revision (SIR), fearing defeat,” the Chief Minister said.Highlighting the importance of elected local bodies, Mr. Naidu said the conduct of elections would also ensure Finance Commission funds to the State. He asked the people not to accept money from contesting candidates to vote in their favour. “Corruption will come down if you do not accept money for voting. This will also ensure clean politics,” he said. “What is the need of taking money when I am giving you money through various welfare schemes?” he asked.Godavari water will flow to Anakapalle district from Tuesday, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu said. The river is to reach Visakhapatnam next year and link with the Vamsadhara, carrying water into north Andhra instead of out to sea. pic.twitter.com/d3PtZrLaaI— The Hindu - Andhra Pradesh (@THAndhra) September 1, 2026Referring to the Godavari waters being taken to north Andhra, Mr. Naidu said the water would reach Anakapalle on Tuesday. “Godavari river waters used to flow into the sea after Rajamahendravaram. Now, we are taking these waters to Uttarandhra, channelising them through mountains. This will change the history of Uttarandhra,” he said. The Godavari waters would reach Visakhapatnam next year, he added. Published - September 01, 2026 02:12 pm IST