PNS|Kadapa
In a spirited and emotional address on the opening day of the Telugu Desam Party’s (TDP) Mahanadu in Kadapa, Chief Minister and TDP national president N Chandrababu Naidu reaffirmed the party’s commitment to development, clean governance and social justice. Hailing the party cadre as the “lifeblood and true leaders” of the TDP, Naidu lauded their sacrifices during difficult times and assured them of unwavering support.
This was the first Mahanadu held in Kadapa since the formation of the coalition government. Naidu said this year’s event would “be etched in golden letters” for its pivotal role in shaping Andhra Pradesh’s economic future. He began by paying tributes to TDP founder N.T. Rama Rao and honouring the soldiers who laid down their lives in Pahalgam and during Operation Sindoor, setting an emotional tone that resonated with the large gathering of party workers.
Naidu hailed the TDP-led alliance’s landslide win in the 2024 elections, which saw it secure 93% of contested seats with a 57% vote share. “This historic mandate is the result of the relentless struggle of our yellow army, who stood firm even during the darkest times,” he said, recalling the martyrdom of party worker Chandrayya, who shouted “Jai Telugu Desam” even in his final moments.
“TDP has not just weathered storms—we have led movements that changed the course of Indian politics,” Naidu asserted, recalling milestones such as NTR’s 1982 political revolution, his own ‘Vastunna Meekosam’ yatra, and Lokesh’s ‘Yuvagalam’. Highlighting TDP’s legacy in governance, Naidu cited initiatives in education, power reforms, IT development and welfare schemes.
“From Rs 2 rice to Rs 4,000 pensions, from DWCRA empowerment to global IT jobs, TDP has reshaped the social and economic fabric of the state,” he said.
Social justice remained a key theme of his speech. Naidu said the TDP had empowered the underprivileged long before it became part of the national agenda, elevating Backward Classes from petitioners to policymakers.
Outlining his long-term vision for the state, Naidu spoke of the Swarnandhra 2047 target—to build a Rs 200 lakh crore economy with an average household income of Rs 55 lakh. “In 78 years, progress has been slow. We will double that in the next 22 years,” he declared.
Key goals include completing the Polavaram project, expanding irrigation, developing green hydrogen infrastructure, promoting logistics and setting up AI-driven innovation hubs. He also announced that Minister Nara Lokesh would unveil a six-pronged development blueprint during the Mahanadu.
Calling corruption the biggest hurdle to progress, Naidu reiterated TDP’s consistent stand against graft. “From ORR to Obulapuram, our legal efforts have now been vindicated by the courts,” he said. He proposed a ban on high-denomination currency and urged wider adoption of digital payments, submitting a detailed report to the Prime Minister in this regard.
“The people have rejected corruption. We will bring all those responsible to justice,” he declared, referring to ongoing probes into scams during the previous regime.
He listed welfare schemes already rolled out by the new government, including free bus travel for women from August 15, Rs 33,000 crore in pensions for 64 lakh beneficiaries, revival of Anna Canteens and the Deepam LPG scheme, financial aid for farmers, and support for aquaculture and horticulture in Rayalaseema. Honorariums for religious leaders have also been increased.
Naidu said Andhra Pradesh had attracted Rs 4.96 lakh crore in investments and created over 4.5 lakh jobs in just 11 months. Initiatives like ‘WhatsApp Governance’ and ‘Mana Mitra’ have been introduced to ensure transparency.
He reaffirmed the TDP’s contributions to Rayalaseema, from ending factional violence to implementing irrigation projects. He vowed to complete the Handri-Neeva project, link major rivers, and develop industrial hubs at Kopparthy and Orvakal. Five Tata Innovation Hubs are also being set up across the state.
Naidu called for strengthening the link between party and government, urging every mandal-level leader and MLA to become a “partner in governance.”
“This is not just a political gathering—it is a movement for a new Andhra,” Naidu declared. “With clean governance, innovation and public participation, we will make the Telugu people No. 1 globally.”
He said the Kuppam Mahanadu 2025 marks not just a celebration but the beginning of a historic transformation for Andhra Pradesh and its people.
