YS Jagan Mohan Reddy’s political timing has gone completely wrong. As Cyclone Montha battered the Andhra Pradesh coast, causing massive property and crop damage, the Opposition Leader was nowhere in sight. While officials worked hard to prevent loss of life, Jagan spent the crucial days in Bengaluru, far from the crisis zone.
For months now, Jagan has been following a routine of leaving for Bengaluru every Friday and returning to Andhra Pradesh only on Tuesday. This time, YSR Congress released a statement claiming that flight services were suspended due to the cyclone, preventing his return. The party said he would come back once services resumed, but he never did.
Shockingly, Jagan did not even post a single message on X about the cyclone or express concern for the affected people. He is expected to visit the state only after normalcy is restored and relief operations are completed, which many see as a mere formality. The public is already questioning his absence during the crisis, and the YSR Congress statement has only made things worse.
Instead of managing ground relief, the YSR Congress’ social media teams were busy posting criticism against Chandrababu Naidu, Pawan Kalyan, and Lokesh, who were actively supervising relief work. Even as the party urged its cadres to assist victims, no visible action was seen on the ground.
With its leader away in Bengaluru, YSR Congress appears disconnected from the state’s suffering. Staying silent and cooperating with the government during a disaster would have earned more respect. But Jagan’s absence has only reinforced the growing perception that he has become a “political tourist” in his own state.
