YS Jagan’s Palnadu tour draws massive crowds

Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy embarked on a highly anticipated tour of Palnadu district on Wednesday, drawing thousands of supporters and party workers who swarmed the streets to catch a glimpse of their leader.

The visit, aimed at consoling the family of a deceased YSRCP worker in Rentapalla village, was marked by an overwhelming public response despite police restrictions and political tensions.

Thousands of people

Jagan began his journey from his Tadepalli residence in Guntur district at 9 a.m., heading toward Rentapalla in Sattenapalli mandal. As his convoy entered Palnadu, a massive crowd gathered at Kontepudi to welcome him, chanting slogans like “Jayaho Jagan” and showering his vehicle with rose petals. At Guntur’s Chuttugunta Centre, the turnout was described as “overwhelming,” with supporters thronging the roadsides, expressing admiration and solidarity. Social media posts claimed nearly 30,000 people gathered in Rentapalla alone, braving barricades and security measures to see Jagan.

The tour was organized to pay respects to Korlakunta Nagamalleswara Rao, a former deputy sarpanch of Rentapalla, who allegedly died by suicide following harassment by police and the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP), according to YSRCP claims. Jagan was also set to unveil a statue of Rao, further galvanizing party cadres.

However, the visit was not without controversy. Palnadu police imposed strict restrictions, citing security concerns and a narrow 500–600-meter stretch of road leading to Rentapalla. The district superintendent of police, Kanchi Srinivasa Rao, had warned against large gatherings, stating that only 100 people and three vehicles would be permitted. YSRCP leaders condemned these curbs, alleging the TDP-led coalition was misusing police to obstruct Jagan’s outreach due to his enduring popularity.

Tragically, the tour was marred by a fatal accident. A 55-year-old man, Cheeli Singaiah, was killed after being hit by a vehicle in Jagan’s convoy near Etukuru village on the National Highway. The incident occurred as crowds surged to throw flowers at Jagan’s vehicle, leading to chaos. Police are investigating, with allegations that YSRCP cadres left the victim unattended.

Despite the challenges, Jagan’s tour underscored his strong connect with the masses. YSRCP leaders, including Jakkampudi Raja, hailed the turnout as evidence of Jagan’s unmatched public support, accusing the state government of failing to maintain law and order. The visit, however, intensified political friction, with both YSRCP and TDP trading barbs over the restrictions and the tragic accident.

As Jagan continues his outreach, the massive crowds in Palnadu signal that his influence remains undiminished, setting the stage for further political showdowns in Andhra Pradesh.