*YSRCP ready for Local Poll battle: Kannababu*

Tadepalli, September 24: Former Minister Kurasala Kannababu said YSRCP has begun preparations for the upcoming local body elections and will firmly counter what the party describes as misuse of official machinery and police power by the Chandrababu Naidu government.

Speaking at the YSRCP Central Office, Kannababu said party president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy had directed Regional Coordinators to begin identifying strong grassroots candidates immediately, consult local leaders and cadres before finalising names, and ensure unity at every level. He said coordinators were asked to visit municipalities and corporations repeatedly, assess local equations and prepare alternatives in advance for possible electoral pressures.

Kannababu said YSRCP would take its criticism of the coalition government’s record, including unfulfilled promises under the “Super Six” and “Super Seven”, directly to every household. He said Jagan had cautioned the party to remain alert against intimidation, inducements and misuse of police machinery during the elections.

Targeting Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha, Kannababu questioned warnings about opening rowdy sheets against YSRCP leaders protesting over DSC recruitment issues. He asked whether similar standards would be applied to TDP leaders who have criminal cases against them and criticised the government’s response to recent law-and-order incidents.

Kannababu also attacked the government’s reported decision to financially engage social-media influencers, saying working journalists were being denied welfare support while public money was being used for publicity. He questioned why journalists’ housing, fee concessions and health benefits were not being prioritised.

He said the coalition government had become focused on publicity rather than governance and maintained that YSRCP would challenge its policies both politically and at the grassroots.