Andhra assembly begins on a stormy note as Jagan accuses police of heavy-handedness

The YSRCP legislators expressed displeasure at the behaviour of police at the Assembly gate, and Jagan warned the police that they would not be able to persist with their “heavy-handedness” forever. He said they had a duty to protect democracy, not to undermine it.

Later, the YSRCP staged a walkout from the Assembly after protesting during the Governor’s address that kicked off the first day of the five-day session.

On Sunday, Jagan had met Governor S Abdul Nazeer at Raj Bhavan in Vijayawada and spoke about the law and order situation in the state, requesting an investigation by central government agencies on alleged atrocities of the TDP government.

This came after a YSRCP youth secretary was hacked to death in Vinukonda town on July 17 by an alleged TDP supporter.

During the discussion with the Governor, Jagan had agreed that after coming to power, the TDP-led coalition government immediately targeted those who didn’t support them in the recent elections. He alleged that TDP targeted YSRCP sympathisers. He accused the ruling party of destroying property, including people’s houses, causing widespread fear.

He said that even YSRCP MPs and MLAs, as well as candidates who contested the elections, had no protection.

After walking out of the Assembly Monday, Jagan and his MLAs continued to protest outside.