CM vows poverty-free APSays illuminating lives of poor is true welfare

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday reiterated that true welfare lies in improving the lives of the poor, emphasising that a poverty-free society is his primary goal. He made these remarks while actively participating in the distribution of monthly pensions to beneficiaries at Yanamandala in Palnadu district.
Addressing a large gathering after the distribution, the Chief Minister reflected on the hardships faced by the people of the State over the past five years. He noted that the situation had been so dire that many people could not even step outside their homes. Chandrababu Naidu sharply criticized the previous government, saying that the former Chief Minister had moved through streets with curtains on either side of the road while cutting down trees and forcibly displacing people. He contrasted this with his own approach, stating that he remains a simple, accessible leader who prioritizes the well-being of the people. “I do not have any high command, but the five crore people of Andhra Pradesh are my high command,” he declared.
During the event, the Chief Minister personally handed over pension amounts to Talari Saramma and Yedukondalu. Afterwards, he visited Yedukondalu’s house, where he prepared coffee himself and shared a cup with the family. He inquired about their wellbeing and later directed officials to provide a Rs 5 lakh loan to Yedukondalu’s son for self-employment through the BC Corporation, as well as assistance for building his own house.
Chandrababu Naidu also promised Rs 60,000 as financial aid to Yedukondalu for his tyre shop. To Saramma, whose husband had died of COVID-19, he assured support from the State Government and directed officials to grant Rs 3 lakh as a loan to her family. Additionally, he pledged assistance for her son’s NEET coaching.
The Chief Minister highlighted that Andhra Pradesh is leading the country in pension distribution, with 64 lakh beneficiaries receiving Rs 4,000 per month. He emphasized that the TDP-led NDA Government fulfilled its promise to the poor by implementing this pension scheme in April. He further warned officials that strict action would be taken if pensions were not distributed directly to the beneficiaries’ doorsteps. “We will use GPS tracking to monitor the distribution process,” he said.
Chandrababu Naidu criticized the previous administration, stating that the State had suffered destruction in the past five years, with key systems dismantled and central funds diverted. He also pointed out that industrialists, fearing the ‘J’ tax, avoided the state during that time, but assured that he was gradually restoring the State to its rightful path.
He also mentioned the establishment of 198 Anna Canteens, with more to be opened if needed. He noted that the GST on handloom workers had been removed, the detrimental GO 217 affecting fishermen’s livelihoods had been nullified, and a corporation had been set up for goldsmiths.
The Chief Minister affirmed that the TDP has always prioritized water conservation and that transforming Andhra Pradesh into a drought-free State through river interlinking is a key goal. He also appreciated the efforts of party activists, promising to stand firmly with them.
Chandrababu Naidu celebrated the party membership crossing 90 lakh, calling it a historic achievement. He expressed confidence that his
government would continue to
work towards the development
of the State, backed by the overwhelming mandate received from the people.
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