Serious allegations have surfaced in the Gangadhara Nellore (GN) Assembly constituency that Ponna Yugandhar, State Director of the Andhra Pradesh Mala Welfare Cooperative Finance Corporation and Jana Sena Party in-charge for the constituency, collected large sums of money from people by promising them subsidy loans of up to ₹10 lakh under the PMEGP scheme.
According to complaints, Yugandhar allegedly used his political influence to convince people by showing photographs with Pawan Kalyan, Nagababu, Nara Lokesh, Nadendla Manohar, TDP MLA Thomas, and other political leaders.
Alleged Collection of ₹2,100 to ₹20,000
It is alleged that Yugandhar collected ₹2,100 from each person, promising to facilitate a ₹10 lakh loan under the PMEGP scheme. Complaints further allege that ordinary people who were not party members were asked to pay amounts ranging from ₹10,000 to ₹20,000.
Hundreds of people from six mandals are reportedly among those who trusted the promises and paid lakhs of rupees. The allegations suggest that money was collected from people belonging to various sections, including shepherds and rural youth.
Jana Sena Leaders Approach Collector
As the alleged collections reportedly intensified, Jana Sena mandal presidents and local leaders themselves are said to have become frustrated with the situation.
According to information, leaders from the respective mandals approached the Chittoor District Collector and lodged a complaint through the Public Grievance Redressal System (PGRS).
The fact that complaints were reportedly made by leaders from within the ruling alliance’s own party has added to the political significance of the issue.
Collector Orders Inquiry
Considering the seriousness of the allegations, the Collector is reportedly said to have ordered an inquiry. It is understood that instructions were issued to the Superintendent of Police (SP), as well as the local Circle Inspector (CI) and Sub-Inspector (SI), to register a case if the allegations are found to be true.
The investigation is expected to establish whether money was actually collected from applicants in the name of arranging PMEGP loans and whether any irregularities took place.
Internal Differences Within Jana Sena Surface
The controversy has also reportedly exposed internal differences within the Jana Sena Party in the Gangadhara Nellore constituency.
Party leaders are said to have already been divided into two groups. The differences reportedly became more visible recently when the two groups conducted separate celebrations for Pawan Kalyan’s birthday, which became a topic of discussion among local political circles.
Party Leadership Under Pressure
Allegations of illegal money collection in the name of political parties and by allegedly using political influence have surfaced from time to time in several constituencies.
Against this backdrop, attention is now focused on what action the Jana Sena leadership will take over the Gangadhara Nellore allegations.
The issue could become particularly uncomfortable for the party leadership as the complaints have reportedly come not only from members of the public but also from Jana Sena workers and local party leaders themselves.
The outcome of the inquiry and the response of the party leadership are likely to determine the next course of action in the controversy.
