YSRCP govt. encouraged forcible religious conversions, attacks on temples, alleges Chandrababu Naidu

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu speaking at the launch of Sanjeevani pilot project at Gannela Panchayat of Araku Valley mandal in Alluri Sitharama Raju district on Saturday. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday alleged that the previous YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) government had encouraged forcible religious conversions and attacks on temples, damaging the sanctity of places of worship.“Religion was a criterion for joining that party and several persons were pressurised to change their faith. This is objectionable,” Mr. Naidu said.The Chief Minister was addressing a large gathering during the launch of the pilot phase of the Sanjeevani healthcare programme at Gannela Panchayat of Araku Valley mandal in Alluri Sitharama Raju district.Citing it as a case in point, the Chief Minister said, “The daughter-in-law of a former YSRCP Minister had recently alleged the she was not allowed to perform puja in the house. She also allegedly faced pressure to convert to another religion, which she firmly refused.”He further alleged that a few leaders in the previous government had projected themselves as Hindus in public, while simultaneously attempting to promote religious conversions. “Such practices are unacceptable,” Mr. Naidu said.“Religion is a matter of faith. Forcing someone to accept, or change a religion against their will is completely wrong and objectionable,” the Chief Minister said.Mr. Naidu also lashed out at the previous YSRCP government for systematically destroying the State during its five-year tenure. “While the NDA government is working to develop the State on multiple fronts with the support of the Centre, the YSRCP is spreading misinformation,” he said.Spurious liquorThe YSRCP government had introduced the ‘J’ brand liquor and promoted the sale of adulterated liquor, which resulted in the death of thousands of people and caused serious damage to public health, the Chief Minister alleged.“The NDA government has completely eliminated adulterated liquor from the State,” he said, and warned of stringent action against anyone manufacturing or selling spurious liquor.Araku coffeeMr. Naidu further alleged that ganja cultivation had been encouraged as a commercial crop during the previous YSRCP government’s term, which brought a bad name to the Agency region. In contrast, the NDA government was focusing on promoting Araku Valley Coffee, pepper and other commercially viable crops in the region, the Chief Minister said.The government would also take responsibility for marketing and exporting the organic produce from the Agency areas to international markets, Mr. Naidu said, stressing the need to create sustainable livelihoods and improve the economic prospects of the tribal communities. Published - August 29, 2026 07:44 pm IST