Union Minister of Civil Aviation Suresh Prabhu condemned the attack on Andhra Pradesh leader of Opposition and president of YSR Congress party, YS Jaganmohan Reddy. The Minister said that they have initiated an investigation into the security lapses, which led to the attack.
Jagan was attacked on Thursday at the Vizag airport with a sharp weapon, which is usually used in cock fights, by a person identified as Srinivas Rao, who is reportedly working as a waiter in the airport.
“Shocked by attack on Mr Jagan Reddy. Asked all agencies to investigate matter thoroughly, including @CISFHQrs. Asked secretary civil aviation to fix responsibility. I strongly condemn this cowardly attack, we will punish the guilty. Investigations are underway, started immediately,” Suresh Prabhu wrote.
Shocked by attack on Mr Jagan Reddy,Asked all agencies to investigate matter thoroughly,including @CISFHQrs .Asked secretary civil aviation to fix responsibility.I strongly condemn this cowardly attack,we will punish the guilty.Investigations are underway, started immediately
— Suresh Prabhu (@sureshpprabhu) October 25, 2018
Shortly after the attack, the YSRCP blamed the Telugu Desam Party-led government for allegedly failing to provide security to its party president.
YSRCP MLA Roja alleged that it was a planned attack to take revenge. She said that the government failure was exposed and further demanded the Chief Minister to find out the culprits behind the incident and punish them. “If there is no protection to the Leader of Opposition, what will be situation of ordinary citizens?” she asked.
The MLA claimed that because of the popularity Jaganmohan Reddy has been gaining through his padayatra, those who couldn’t digest it, planned this revenge attack.
The TDP was quick in condemning the incident. Minister of IT and son of TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu, Nara Lokesh took to Twitter and wrote, “Strongly condemn the attack on Opposition leader @ysjagan garu that happened at Vizag aiport. Such cowardly attacks have no place in modern society.”
Strongly condemn the attack on Opposition Leader @ysjagan garu that happened at Vizag airport. Such cowardly attacks have no place in the modern society.
— Lokesh Nara (@naralokesh) October 25, 2018
Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan also condemned the attack and said that the incident was atrocious. He said that the governments should ensure that such incidents don’t repeat.
Similarly, Telangana Minister of IT, K T Rama Rao had also condemned the incident, and said that the culprit responsible should be punished. He also wished a speedy recovery to Jagan.
ఆంధ్రప్రదేశ్ ప్రతిపక్ష నాయకుడు @ysjagan గారిపై జరిగిన దాడిని తీవ్రంగా ఖండిస్తున్నాను. బాధ్యులను కఠినంగా శిక్షించాలి. జగన్ గారు త్వరగా కోలుకోవాలని కోరుకుంటున్నాను.
— KTR (@KTRTRS) October 25, 2018
Condemning the attack, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi termed the incident as a ‘major security lapse’. He demanded an explanation from Civil Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu on how a person could sneak into the airport with a dagger.
“I strongly condemn the cowardly attack on @ysjagan this is a major security lapse which must be probed @sureshpprabhu how can a person bring a dagger inside the airport,and in a lounge, politicians are vulnerable with this NEW phenomenon of selfies.”
I strongly condemn the cowardly attack on @ysjagan this is a major security lapse which must be probed @sureshpprabhu how can a person bring a dagger inside the airport,and in a lounge ,politicians are vulnerable with this NEW phenomenon of selfies
— Asaduddin Owaisi (@asadowaisi) October 25, 2018
Meanwhile, Jagan took to Twitter to inform that he is safe and to thank the people of Andhra Pradesh. He also said that the attack will not dissuade him, but strengthen his resolve to work for the people of the state.
To everyone worried about my safety - I’d like to inform you that I am safe. God's grace and the love, concern & blessings of the people of Andhra Pradesh will protect me. Such cowardice acts will not dissuade me but only strengthen my resolve to work for the people of my state!
— YS Jagan Mohan Reddy (@ysjagan) October 25, 2018
Reportedly, Jagan was waiting in the lounge when the accused offered him a tea and asked him for a selfie, before attacking him. The attack left the Leader of Opposition injured in his left arm. The YSRCP leader was on his way to Hyderabad. He was administered first aid at the airport itself and admitted to the City Neuro hospital after he reached Hyderabad.