Naidu: Will fulfil all poll promises

Chief Minister and TDP national president Nara Chandrababu Naidu reaffirmed the party’s commitment to its principles and the promises made during elections. Addressing a large gathering of party leaders and activists on the occasion of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) completing 42 years since its foundation, Naidu praised the TDP for its extraordinary emergence in the political landscape, highlighting its remarkable rise to power just nine months after its formation.
Marking the historic occasion, Naidu, along with other party leaders, garlanded the statue of the late NT Rama Rao at the TDP office in Mangalagiri and unfurled the party flag. Reflecting on the party’s inception, Naidu underscored the vision of NTR, who founded the party in 1982 with the primary goal of safeguarding the self-respect of the Telugu community. “The formation of TDP was a sensation in the political world. It was the first time a political party emerged intending to uphold the self-respect of the entire Telugu community,” Naidu remarked.
Naidu recalled the revolutionary approach that NTR brought into politics, transforming it from a system rooted in feudalism and illiteracy into a more inclusive and educated political landscape. “NTR believed that the youth should be actively involved in politics for the betterment of the state.
It was only under NTR’s leadership that welfare became a priority in governance,” he added. Naidu expressed his confidence that the TDP would continue to thrive as long as the Telugu community exists.
The Chief Minister took pride in the TDP’s unique identity, asserting that the party has functioned differently from others. “We are heirs of the party, not mere leaders. While other parties have come and gone, the TDP has stood strong because of its core values,” he said. Naidu also spoke about the party’s ability to overcome several crises over the past 43 years, turning each challenge into an opportunity.
In an emotional tribute to party workers, Naidu bowed to the dedication and sacrifices of TDP activists, particularly acknowledging their steadfast support during difficult times. “I wholeheartedly bow before the yellow soldiers who consider the party their life,” he said, recalling the strong backing he received during his “Vastunna Meekosam” padayatra (walk for the people) and his son N. Lokesh’s 3,112 km padayatra, which ultimately brought the TDP back to power.
The Chief Minister also praised the TDP for its significant role not just at the state level but nationally. “The TDP is not just a regional party. We have played a crucial role at the national level, including forming the United Front, and contributed to the success of both NDA-1 and NDA-2,” he said, adding that the TDP’s recognition in Parliament as the principal opposition party speaks volumes about its national influence.
Naidu also addressed the party’s recent electoral alliance with the BJP and Jana Sena, stating that the coalition was formed to “save Andhra Pradesh” and rebuild the state. He highlighted the success of the alliance in securing a 93% strike rate, underscoring the trust placed in the TDP by both the people and its cadre. He also pointed to the dire financial situation left by the previous government, which had burdened the state with a debt of Rs 9.74 lakh crore.
Despite this challenge, Naidu assured the public that the TDP-led government was committed to sustainable development. He noted that pension schemes had been revised, with Rs 33,000 crore allocated for pensions alone. Other welfare initiatives, such as the revival of Anna Canteens and the distribution of three free cooking gas cylinders per annum under the Deepam-2 scheme, were also mentioned.
Naidu also announced the launch of several new schemes, including “Annadata Sukhibhava” and “Talliki Vandanam” in April and May, as well as financial assistance of Rs 20,000 for fishermen. Additionally, he highlighted ongoing developmental projects such as Amaravati and Polavaram.
On the economic front, Naidu provided updates on large-scale investments in the state, including BPCL’s Rs 90,000 crore refinery at Ramayapatnam, ArcelorMittal’s Rs 1 lakh crore steel plant, and NTPC’s Rs 1.90 lakh crore green hydrogen plant. He also noted that Reliance was set to invest Rs 65,000 crore to supply biofuel to the state.
As part of his focus on poverty alleviation, Naidu announced the launch of the P-4 programme on the occasion of Ugadi, calling on the wealthy to support the downtrodden sections of society.