Naidu: TDP lifted Telugu pride

Chief Minister and TDP supremo Chandrababu Naidu stated on Saturday that the global recognition of the Telugu community came only after the formation of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), which he termed a “political university.”
After renewing his membership at the TDP central office in Mangalagiri, Naidu expressed that almost all senior leaders in the two Telugu states have roots in the TDP. Receiving his membership card from State unit president Palla Srinivasa Rao, he said the journey of Telugus can be understood in two phases: before and after the establishment of TDP.
Recalling the contribution of TDP’s founder, the late NT Rama Rao, he said, “NTR’s vision brought global recognition to Telugu people when he became the Chief Minister of united Andhra Pradesh.” Naidu lauded NTR’s message, “society is a temple and people are gods,” as an inspiration that continues to guide the party. Through a virtual meeting, Naidu also reached out to console families who had lost members in attacks by YSRCP leaders.
Addressing party workers, Naidu celebrated the launch of the membership drive, calling it a day of pride, as TDP membership has come to represent respect and recognition in society. “Carrying a TDP membership card is seen as prestigious,” he added.
Highlighting TDP’s support for the downtrodden, Naidu emphasised that the party consistently provides opportunities for educated youth in the Assembly and Parliament. “Our party has been the only one to conduct special training for activists, striving to groom them as leaders,” he noted.
 He also reminded the gathering that the TDP pioneered an insurance scheme in the country; currently, a Rs 100 membership provides a claim of Rs 5 lakh.
Naidu revealed that some leaders are opting for lifetime membership in TDP and that the party has spent Rs 120 crore on activists, with Rs 102 crore given in insurance payments to 5,113 members. Recalling TDP’s pivotal role as a strong opposition in Parliament, he said the party has weathered many challenges in its 40-year history.
He urged TDP leaders to uphold the responsibility of handing over the party to future generations. Dismissing remarks about TDP’s decline, he said, “Those predicting our end have themselves been proven wrong.” Citing recent electoral successes alongside Jana Sena and BJP, he called it a united victory.
Naidu outlined six new policies, including ‘Job First,’ revised pensions, and a free gas cylinder scheme beginning from Deepavali. He also noted that the garbage tax, the 217 GO, and the Swarnakara (goldsmith) corporation have been scrapped.
Listing welfare initiatives in recent months, Naidu said Rs 4,500 crore in development projects have been launched in rural areas, and full-scale work in Amaravati will begin in December. He promised the first phase of the Polavaram project’s completion within two years and announced industrial corridors in Orvakallu and Kopparthi.
Naidu also informed that land allocation is underway for the railway zone, and housing sites—two cents in urban areas and three cents in rural areas—will soon be allotted to eligible beneficiaries. Addressing activists, he pledged to legally address false cases filed against them and encouraged them to connect directly with people rather than frequently reaching out to him. “Only those who work hard will receive due recognition,” Naidu concluded.