Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has taken legal action against the Andhrajyothy publication, demanding an unconditional apology for what he claims are defamatory and false reports regarding his involvement in legal proceedings held by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission related to the Adani Group. The legal notice, dispatched on Saturday, firmly disputes the allegations presented by the newspaper, categorizing them as unsubstantiated and malicious. Reddy contends that the article aims to inflict severe damage on his reputation, not only as an individual but also as the leader of the YSR Congress party and as a sitting chief minister from 2019 to 2024.
The legal notice criticizes Andhrajyothy for publishing what Reddy terms “untruthful material,” particularly in relation to alleged bribery tied to solar power purchase agreements made during his governance. In a specific rebuttal to the newspaper’s claims, the notice clarifies that these power purchase agreements were established solely between the Andhra Pradesh government, the state’s DISCOMs, and the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), with no external parties involved. Reddy’s statement emphasizes that SECI, as a body of the Indian government, provided a beneficial offer to the state, significantly dispelling the notion of corruption put forth by the publication.
Highlighting the implications of the SECI’s agreement, the notice outlines the tremendous advantages the state garnered from this arrangement. The tariff for the solar power supply, priced at ₹2.49 per unit, was positioned as the lowest in 25 years for procurement of solar or wind energy in the region. Furthermore, this agreement included a pivotal incentive from the Ministry of Power, which waives Inter-State Transmission Charges for the power acquired from SECI, resulting in an approximate savings of ₹2 per unit for consumers. This beneficial tariff rate contrasted sharply with previous procurement rates, reinforcing Reddy’s argument that the allegations of bribery surrounding this arrangement are baseless.
Despite the legality and advantages of the agreements in question, Andhrajyothy continued to propagate claims suggesting impropriety related to these transactions and US court proceedings. Reddy’s legal notice underscores his determination to safeguard his political and personal image, insisting that the unwarranted media coverage could have long-term repercussions on his public standing and the operations of the YSR Congress party. The noise generated by such reports also appears to hinder the essential governance of the state, as it diverts attention from substantial achievements.
As part of the remedy sought, Reddy has demanded a prominent correction and an unconditional apology to be published on the front page of the Andhrajyothy newspaper. This request underscores the gravity with which he views the situation and the potential damage to his reputation as well as the integrity of his party. The conflict opens a broader discussion about the responsibilities of the media in reporting accurate information and the impact of misinformation on political figures and their ability to govern effectively.
In an age where media influence permeates public perception, the incident encapsulates a significant clash between political figures and media outlets. Jagan’s legal maneuvers reflect a mounting trend among politicians to counteract perceived violations by the press, from defamation to misrepresentation of facts. This situation not only serves as a reminder of the powerful role media can play in shaping narratives but also illustrates the ongoing tensions that exist between journalism’s role in holding leaders accountable and the potential dangers of spreading unverified or misleading information. As the resolution of this dispute unfolds, it may serve as a critical case study in the broader discourse on media ethics and political accountability in India.