Jagan challenges Naidu government's growth claims with falling power sales and weak tax rise

UPDATE - follow-up to Jagan questions Naidu's 23-lakh jobs claim, cites power demand and tax revenue figures: YSRCP president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy on X challenged the Chandrababu Naidu‑led coalition’s claim of rapid growth and 2.3 million new jobs, pointing to falling power sales, barely rising tax revenue and high unemployment in Andhra Pradesh.

What Happened

Jagan highlighted AP Electricity Regulatory Commission data showing distribution‑company power sales dropped from 71,722 million units in 2023‑24 to 70,885 million units in 2025‑26. Energy dispatch fell from 79,758 million units to 78,546 million units over the same period. He also cited the state's tax receipts, which rose only from ₹85,922.36 crore in 2023‑24 to a provisional ₹86,552.65 crore in 2025‑26, a compound annual growth rate of 0.15% according to CAG figures. On employment, Jagan noted Andhra Pradesh ranked fourth in unemployment in Q1 and third in Q2 of 2026‑27, contradicting Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s claim of creating 23 lakh jobs.

Reaction

Jagan accused the government of projecting an exaggerated growth narrative while core economic indicators point to sluggish industrial activity, weak consumption and insufficient job creation.

Context

A fall in power demand usually signals slowing industry and lower household consumption, while minimal tax growth suggests weak economic activity. High state‑wise unemployment rankings further underline the gap between official job‑creation claims and on‑ground reality.