CM vows to build poverty-free society with NTR’s inspiration

Founder of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), the late Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (NTR), will forever hold a place in the hearts of the Telugu people as a leader who tirelessly worked for their self-respect, remarked Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday.
Speaking at a gathering held to commemorate the 29th death anniversary of NTR, the Chief Minister reflected on NTR’s lasting legacy. “NTR is an indelible memory for the poor and a beacon of courage for the downtrodden. Inspired by his vision, we will work towards creating a poverty-free society,”  Chandrababu Naidu affirmed. He garlanded NTR’s statue and paid floral tributes to the TDP founder.
The Chief Minister fondly recalled NTR’s immense contributions, stating, “NTR redefined politics as a means to serve the poor and uplift their lives. It was he who brought the TDP to power within just nine months of its inception, an unparalleled achievement in global politics.” Highlighting NTR’s role in securing the identity of Telugus, Chandrababu Naidu said, “When Telugus were often mistaken as Madrasis, it was NTR who instilled a sense of pride in our community, shaking even New Delhi with his impact.
He laid the foundation for welfare and development, showing the nation what progress truly means.”
The Chief Minister credited NTR for pioneering initiatives such as pucca houses for the poor, inviting educated individuals into politics, and promoting Backward Classes (BC) leaders. He noted that MLA Putta Sudhakar Yadav’s victory in the Mydukur Assembly segment was a result of NTR’s inclusive vision.
NTR also championed women’s rights, introducing legislation for equal property rights and reservations for women in local bodies to encourage their political participation, Chandrababu Naidu pointed out. He further lauded NTR’s contributions to addressing water scarcity in Rayalaseema through landmark projects like Telugu Ganga, Handri-Neeva, and Galeru-Nagari, which paved the way for initiatives like the Gandikota project in Kadapa district.
Criticising the opposition, Chandrababu Naidu said, “While YSRCP leaders in Kadapa narrated stories, they failed to deliver for the people. It is the TDP that has driven meaningful development in this region, transforming Kadapa into a horticultural hub.”
He expressed regret over the withdrawal of a 90% subsidy for micro-irrigation by the previous government, stating that the TDP has since reinstated drip irrigation with subsidies. He also highlighted the elimination of factionalism in Kadapa under the TDP’s governance and announced the construction of a tunnel costing ?250 crore for Kadapa Airport, which will soon enable connectivity to major destinations.
Chandrababu Naidu hailed the TDP’s milestone of one crore members and praised Nara Lokesh, Minister for Education and TDP National General Secretary, for prioritising the welfare of party activists. “We are investing ?130 crore in insurance and welfare for party cadres and will continue to support you economically,” he assured.
The Chief Minister concluded by announcing that the Swarna Andhra-Swachh Andhra programme would be launched in Mydukur, urging the people to unite for a clean and prosperous Andhra Pradesh.