Is Chandrababu Naidu still fearful of YS Jagan?

YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, is currently out of power. Despite once ruling the state with an overwhelming majority of 150 MLAs and nearly 20 MPs—along with considerable influence in the Modi government despite not being a formal ally—Jagan has now been reduced to just 11 MLAs. His political clout has significantly diminished, while Chandrababu Naidu and Pawan Kalyan have emerged as key partners in the current Union government.

Yet, despite his newfound power and influence, Naidu still appears to harbor concerns about YS Jagan.

Jagan: A villain beyond mythologies?

During an ANI podcast hosted by Smita Prakash, Naidu launched a scathing attack on Jagan, likening him to villains from Hindu mythology, Christian history, and even Islamic narratives.

“Jagan is a villain. But even Hindu mythology, Christian history, or, for that matter, Islam could not have imagined a villain like Jagan. He is an egoist, a sadist, a destroyer,” Naidu declared.

While some dismiss this as political rhetoric typical of Naidu’s discourse against rivals, YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) loyalists argue that Naidu’s choice of words suggests deep-seated fear. They claim that merely labeling Jagan as a “villain” and invoking mythological and historical comparisons reveals an underlying anxiety about his potential comeback.

The toughest rival?

Smita Prakash, steering the conversation, asked Naidu about the toughest opponent he had faced in his long political career, mentioning both YS Rajasekhar Reddy and YS Jagan. Naidu responded with the aforementioned remarks about Jagan.

When pressed further on his strong language, Naidu defended his stance, saying, “The people of Andhra Pradesh suffered under his misrule. He imagined himself above our values—Hindu or otherwise—and that’s why these comparisons fit. Villains don’t win in the end—neither in our epics nor in history.”

Political fear or strategy?

Jagan’s supporters argue that Naidu’s intense rhetoric stems from fear that if Jagan regains power, it would spell the end for Naidu’s political future. They claim Naidu has little to showcase from his governance and is resorting to vilifying Jagan to consolidate his position. Is this truly fear, or is it a calculated political move? That remains a matter of debate, but one thing is certain—Jagan continues to occupy Naidu’s political imagination, even in defeat.