TDP Accuses Jagan Mohan Reddy of ₹3.62 Crore Misuse in "Egg Puff Scandal"

Hyderabad: Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy is at the centre of a controversy surrounding alleged extravagant spending on snacks during his tenure. The issue has triggered a heated exchange between the ruling Tlugu Desam Party (TDP) and the Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP), with accusations and counter-accusations flying over the purported misuse of public funds.

The Allegations
The TDP has accused Reddy’s Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) of spending a staggering INR 3.62 crores on egg puffs over the past five years. This figure, if accurate, suggests that the CMO’s annual expenditure on these snacks averaged INR 72 lakhs, equating to a daily consumption of approximately 993 egg puffs. Over the entire five-year period, this would amount to an astonishing 18 lakh egg puffs.

The controversy, dubbed the “Egg Puff Scandal,” has brought to light concerns over potential financial irregularities and the misuse of taxpayer money. The issue was uncovered during a comprehensive investigation into the previous administration’s finances, initiated by the current TDP government led by Chandrababu Naidu.

The CMO reportedly spent ₹3.62 crore on egg puffs over the last five years, averaging ₹72 lakh per year.

The report states that the CMO consumed 993 egg puffs daily, totaling 18 lakh egg puffs in five years. #YSJagan #YSRCP pic.twitter.com/82PRilmciU

— Kolly Censor (@KollyCensor) August 20, 2024

Political Fallout
The revelations have further intensified the already strained relations between the TDP and YSRCP. Jagan’s tenure has been marked by several controversies, including allegations of excessive spending on security, the construction of the Rushikonda Palace, and the use of special planes and helicopters for personal purposes. The latest allegations of exorbitant spending on snacks have only added fuel to the fire.

In response, the YSRCP has vehemently denied the allegations, labelling them as “fake propaganda” orchestrated by the TDP to tarnish Jagan’s image. Supporters of the YSRCP have dismissed the claims as baseless, asserting that the accusations are part of a deliberate attempt to undermine the party’s reputation.

YSRCP loyalists have countered by accusing the previous TDP government of similar financial mismanagement. They allege that the TDP spent INR 8.5 crore on snacks for former Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and his son, Lokesh, between 2014 and 2019. These counter-allegations have further muddied the waters, with both sides accusing each other of spreading false information.

థూ.. మీరూ మీ బతుకులు . ఇంత దిగజారుడు తనమా? ఎంగిలి బిస్కెట్లకు ఆశపడి ఇలాంటి పనికిమాలిన ప్రచారం చేస్తారా? మీది జర్నలిజమా? బ్రోకరిజమా?
మీకు దమ్ము ధైర్యం ఉంటే నిరూపించండి. లేదా తప్పుడు సమాచారం ఇచ్చినందుకు ప్రజలకు క్షమాపణ చెప్పండి. https://t.co/KMp56D6KKS pic.twitter.com/TX7iwaG53v

— YSR Congress Party (@YSRCParty) August 20, 2024

TDP’s Response
The TDP has swiftly responded to the YSRCP’s counterclaims, labelling them as fabricated and a distraction from the real issue at hand. The party’s social media wing has taken to various platforms to debunk the YSRCP’s allegations, accusing the ruling party of resorting to misinformation to deflect attention from Jagan Mohan Reddy’s alleged financial mismanagement.

Conclusion
The “Egg Puff Scandal” has become a flashpoint in the ongoing political battle between the TDP and YSRCP, with both parties trading blows over allegations of financial impropriety. As the investigation continues, the controversy is likely to keep the political landscape in Andhra Pradesh charged, with both parties seeking to gain the upper hand in the public’s perception.