NELLORE: Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday issued a stern warning to YSRCP workers and leaders over abusive social media campaigns and online trolling targeting women, judges and coalition leaders, including Deputy Chief Minister K Pawan Kalyan. Demanding accountability, he instructed the authorities to take firm legal action against those violating the law.
He asserted that it takes one minute to arrest YSRCP leaders involved in such offences, but maintained that his government is committed to development rather than political vendetta.
Naidu said the State government has been focusing on climate resilience, infrastructure development, industrial growth and good governance, while accusing the Opposition of attempting to obstruct development through misinformation and divisive politics.
Addressing a public meeting at Punnapuvaaripalem in the district, the Chief Minister said the impact of the El Niño phenomenon has been severe across the world, leading to a significant decline in rainfall.
He noted that Europe is currently experiencing extreme heatwaves and recalled that Andhra Pradesh had adopted measures such as spraying water on roads in cities, including Vijayawada, during the summer to reduce the impact of high temperatures. Similar measures, he said, are now being implemented in Europe.
Naidu said that although there has been little inflow into the Godavari and Krishna rivers so far this year, reservoirs are still holding around 65% of their capacity due to abundant rainfall and timely storage last year.
The Chief Minister said the conflict in West Asia has pushed up petrol and diesel prices, making it most essential to promote ethanol as an alternative fuel.
Naidu urged farmers to cultivate crops such as maize, which are required for ethanol production, saying it could provide them with new income opportunities.
The Chief Minister also announced that the foundation stone for the Rayalaseema Steel Plant in Kadapa would be laid on Thursday and expressed confidence that steel production would commence by 2028.
YSRCP is encouraging criminal elements: CM
On the capital issue, Naidu said Amaravati is essential for the people of Andhra Pradesh, but alleged that the Opposition continues to conspire against its development.
The Chief Minister also alleged that those claiming to protect Amaravati are now organising aggressive protests with the support of rowdy elements.
Referring to the recent disappearance of a youth in Vijayawada, Naidu said he immediately ordered the suspension of the concerned Circle Inspector and directed officials to take prompt action. However, he alleged that YSRCP leaders were attempting to exploit the incident to create caste tensions.
He further accused Opposition leaders of targeting the family members of Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan through abusive social media posts and criticised derogatory remarks made against Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha, particularly about her appearance.
He accused the YSRCP of encouraging criminal elements and rowdyism and warned that promoting such leaders would harm both the State and its people.
Calling upon the public to remain vigilant against parties that support criminal activities, Naidu appealed to people to adopt the slogan ‘Never Again’ for the YSRCP and ‘NDA Again and Again’ to ensure continued development and progress in Andhra Pradesh.
He expressed confidence that Nellore district would emerge as one of India’s leading districts in wealth creation and economic development.
The Chief Minister said BPCL is establishing a refinery near Ramayapatnam with an investment of around `1 lakh crore, while several large industries are also coming up in the IFFCO Kisan Special Economic Zone. He noted that 27 mega industries have already been established in the Gudur region and that a Mega Furniture Park is also being planned.