Jagan Reddy’s party slams Pawan Kalyan over Kakinada port remarks: Theatrical

The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) has taken a strong stance against Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, criticising his remarks during his visit to the Kakinada Port.
Former ministers Ambati Rambabu and Kurasala Kannababu addressed the media in separate press conferences, alleging that Pawan Kalyan’s statements revealed cracks within the coalition government.
The Jana Sena leader had complained about a lack of cooperation from officials at the port, a claim YSRCP leaders termed as “theatrical” and indicative of his inability to manage administrative affairs.
The Kakinada Port, a critical anchor port for rice exports, has been under scrutiny for the smuggling of Public Distribution System (PDS) rice.
Officials recently seized a consignment of PDS rice, prompting Pawan Kalyan’s dramatic visit and remarks. Rambabu and Kannababu accused the Deputy Chief Minister of being either ignorant of the facts or lacking understanding of governmental operations.
“Corruption at the port has been an ongoing issue. If PDS rice has passed through the check posts set up by the Civil Supplies Department and reached the ships, it implies either official clearance or compromises by local leaders of coalition parties,” the former ministers stated.
The YSRCP leaders alleged that coalition members have been openly clashing over revenue-sharing issues. They pointed to disputes over liquor, sand, and other revenue streams, claiming these conflicts reflect deeper fissures within the government.
Ambati Rambabu highlighted a recent altercation between two Rayalaseema leaders over a fly-ash issue, necessitating the Chief Minister’s intervention.
They also accused coalition parties of focusing on personal gains during their tenure, with “MLA taxes” and other alleged exploitative practices burdening genuine stakeholders like exporters.
Kanna Babu also criticised the government’s handling of power tariffs, contrasting the YSRCP’s lower power purchase rate under YS Jagan Mohan Reddy with the higher rates under the previous Chandrababu Naidu regime.