VIJAYAWADA: Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu has warned that stern action will be taken against those misusing social media for character assassination and spreading misinformation.
Addressing a meeting of Backward Class (BC) communities at Vadlamanu village in Agiripalli mandal of Eluru district on the occasion of Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Jayanti, Naidu said that under his administration, there will be no tolerance for those turning social media into a platform for criminal activity.
He recalled how misinformation had initially misled him in the Vivekananda Reddy murder case and stressed that defaming others through digital platforms would attract strict legal consequences.
Naidu also took aim at the previous YSRCP government, claiming it curtailed individual freedom. He urged citizens not to misuse the liberty being restored under the current regime.
Reiterating that BCs have been the backbone of the Telugu Desam Party since its inception, the Chief Minister said the government, in coordination with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Deputy CM K Pawan Kalyan, is focused on their welfare.
Describing Phule as a timeless icon, Naidu praised his pioneering efforts in women’s education, social justice, and the empowerment of marginalised groups. “Even after 198 years, we celebrate Phule Jayanti — that shows the strength of his legacy,” he affirmed.
He lauded TDP founder NT Rama Rao for championing BC welfare, including the establishment of a women’s university. Naidu asserted that the TDP has consistently protected BC rights and continues to prioritise their development.
The Chief Minister announced that a special legal protection act for BCs is in the works. A sub-committee has been formed, and the draft law will be prepared based on its recommendations.
Naidu outlined several welfare schemes, including the revival of Aadarana-3, residential schools for BC and fishermen’s children, Rs 15 lakh financial aid for overseas education, coaching for DSC and competitive exams, and expansion of BC study circles.
To boost BC livelihoods, he announced liquor shop allocations for toddy tappers, free electricity for weavers, rooftop solar subsidies between Rs 80,000 and Rs 98,000, and increased honorariums for Nayee Brahmins working in temples.
Naidu promised new Anna Canteens in areas like Agiripalli and support for DWCRA women.
The Chief Minister also pledged to resolve legal hurdles around the Chintalapudi Lift Irrigation Project and assured full support to Minister Parthasarathy for the development of Nuzvid. He encouraged families to consider having at least two children to address shifting population trends.