The ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) in Andhra Pradesh has lashed out at YSRCP chief YS Jaganmohan Reddy who is presently on a personal visit to London, alleging that he had travelled out of India to 'bring back hawala money'. Jagan had left to London earlier this month, with his wife Y S Bharati, to meet their daughter who is studying in London.

Speaking to reporters, TDP MLC Buddha Venkanna said, "Why is Jagan in London? He has definitely had a secret meeting with Vijay Mallya. He is also looking to bring hawala money into the country by giving it to his party as a donation. We will prove this with evidence."  

Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to the state, the TDP leader said, "When all parties in the state are talking about special status, what is the need of the PM to come here and not even talk about it. When it comes to fighting against the state's interests, Jagan is on one side of PM Modi and KCR (Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao) is on the other. They will get answers in the upcoming polls from the people." 

A day earlier on Friday, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu had also leveled similar allegations during a teleconference with TDP leaders. “None will go on foreign visits when elections are fast approaching. What else could be the reason behind his visit?” Naidu asked. 

Hitting back, the YSRCP said that "such diversionary tactics to cover-up the failures of the TDP had become a common practice."

Speaking to reporters in Hyderabad, YSRCP MLA G Srikanth Reddy said, "Chandrababu Naidu trying to make an issue out of Jagan visiting his daughter studying in London is absurd. Attributing motives to the visit of the Leader of Opposition to London and levelling baseless remarks is only to cover up his failures from the numerous controversies and serious charges against him and his governance."