RAJAMPETA: Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu challenged the YSRCP to engage in open assembly debates on key issues like welfare schemes, irrigation, investments, and alleged political violence, rather than spreading “fake propaganda” via social media and press conferences. Speaking at a public event in Boyanapalli village, Rajampet mandal, as part of the Pedalaku Sevalo (Service to the Poor) initiative, Naidu personally distributed pensions, interacted with locals, and outlined ambitious development plans for Rayalaseema.
Naidu began his visit by delivering a pension to Yedavalli Sumithramma, a bedridden kidney patient, and engaging with welfare program beneficiaries.
Pension scheme govt’s duty, not charity: Naidu
Addressing a large gathering, he criticized the YSRCP for boycotting assembly sessions and spreading misinformation, accusing the previous regime of inciting violence. “They spilled blood in Seema, but we brought water,” he said, claiming the NDA coalition ended factionalism and restored “freedom” after their electoral victory.
Naidu highlighted the state’s pension programme, describing it as a government duty, not charity. “Pension distribution is a responsibility; it’s happening like a festival every month,” he said, contrasting it with the previous administration’s alleged failures.
Andhra Pradesh’s pension scale is unmatched in India, with Rs 42,000 crore spent to date. In September, 6,361,380 recipients received Rs 2,747 crore, distributed by over 165,000 officials in three hours.
Naidu credited TDP founder N T Rama Rao for introducing pensions in 1983 at Rs 30, which Naidu increased to Rs 1,000 by 2014 and Rs 3,000 for the differently-abled by 2018.
He accused the YSRCP of irregularities and introduced new measures like immediate pensions for widows and back payments for missed months. Naidu outlined broader welfare initiatives, including 16,347 teacher posts, the “Thalli ki Vandanam” program, reopened Anna Canteens, free bus travel for women, free electricity for weavers, Rs 20,000 aid for fishermen, and 90% drip irrigation subsidies.
Reflecting on his 30-year milestone, Naidu shared, “I’ve faced ups and downs but never stepped back. I worked as CM and opposition leader for long periods, creating wealth and delivering welfare. I’ve never rested; from dawn, I work in mission mode.”
He credited the TDP for elevating the Telugu community’s status, from developing Hyderabad in the past to building Amaravati now, and acknowledged the unwavering support of backward classes since the party’s inception.
For Rayalaseema, Naidu pledged to transform “Ralla Seema” into “Ratnala Seema” through irrigation projects like interlinking the Vamsadhara, Godavari, Krishna, and Penna rivers. Investments in Kia have boosted Anantapur, with plans for automobile, electronics, and aerospace hubs.
On district reorganisation, he promised to address bifurcation issues. Despite TDP’s electoral loss in Rajampet, Naidu emphasized development over politics, committing to a medical college and supporting the Ontimitta Sri Rama temple’s growth.
The P4 model aims to eradicate poverty. Naidu concluded by inspecting Dobhi Ghat in Boyanapalli, engaging with washermen about schemes and directing officials to provide the requested sheds. Minister Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy and local TDP leaders attended.