Minister for Tourism, Culture and Cinematography Kandula Durgesh on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), alleging that it had become a symbol of abusive political culture and lacked the moral authority to preach political values or ethics.

Addressing the media at the State Secretariat, Mr. Durgesh accused YSRCP leaders of lowering the standards of political discourse during their five-year tenure. He recalled several instances in which party leaders had allegedly made derogatory remarks and personal attacks against Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan.

Referring to the Sai Krishna disappearance case, the Minister said the coalition government was handling the matter in a transparent and lawful manner. He pointed out that Circle Inspector Nagaraju, the prime accused in the case, was suspended immediately and that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) had been constituted to conduct a comprehensive probe. The detention of the officer by SIT officials demonstrated the government’s commitment to ensuring justice, he added.

Mr. Durgesh also accused the YSRCP of attempting to foment divisions among communities by organising caste-based meetings in connection with the case. He alleged that the opposition was trying to draw Mr. Pawan Kalyan into caste politics for narrow political gains, despite the Deputy Chief Minister repeatedly asserting that he represented all sections of society equally.

Claiming that the YSRCP was rattled by the growing strength and cohesion of the TDP-Jana Sena-BJP alliance, Mr. Durgesh said the opposition was resorting to divisive politics out of political desperation. Questioning the party’s commitment to Kapu welfare, he challenged YSRCP leaders to disclose details of allocations made to the Kapu Corporation, foreign education assistance provided to Kapu students, and other welfare initiatives undertaken during their tenure. He alleged that several schemes introduced for the community had been discontinued under the previous YSRCP government and accused the party of exploiting caste sentiments for political expediency.