The YSRCP has called for State-wide protests on May 18 (Monday) against the hike in petrol and diesel prices.

Addressing a teleconference with party regional coordinators, district presidents, MLAs, parliamentary observers, constituency coordinators, and leaders of affiliated wings on Sunday, party State coordinator Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy accused the State government of imposing an additional burden on the public “despite promising to reduce fuel prices.”

The fuel prices in Andhra Pradesh were the highest in the country, he said, adding that it burdened farmers, transport operators, small traders and middle-class families, who are already struggling with rising living costs.

Mr. Reddy said the fuel price hike would lead to an increase in prices of essential commodities. He demanded that the ruling alliance fulfiled the promises made by N. Chandrababu Naidu and N. Lokesh when the YSRCP was in power.

Following a directive from party president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, the party decided to stage protests in constituency headquarters. MLAs and constituency coordinators were asked to submit memoranda to the District Collectors, RDOs and MROs.

Mr. Reddy also reviewed preparations related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and directed party leaders to complete the appointment of Booth Level Agents (BLAs) at the earliest.

‘Political intimidation’

Meanwhile, in a statement, party Legal Cell president M. Manohar Reddy accused the government of misusing police machinery and digital censorship mechanisms to suppress dissent, target opposition party voices, and intimidate journalists and social media activists.

He alleged that the NDA government was turning social media complaints into “tools of political intimidation.” Cases were being registered over social media posts critical of the government on issues that included Amaravati, governance failures, and implementation of the Super Six promises, he said.

Mr. Manohar Reddy alleged that police were registering FIRs without conducting preliminary enquiry and issuing notices to social media platforms seeking removal of content.

He cited the case of party general secretary (Media) Pudi Srihari, alleging that he faced repeated arrests despite having no operational role in managing social media content. He also referred to the arrest of social media activist Shajahan and alleged harassment of YSRCP youth leader Balu from Kurnool.

Mr. Manohar Reddy demanded an immediate halt to “politically motivated” cases and misuse of police powers.