Naidu asks TDP cadre to gear up for local body elections

Vijayawada: TDP supremo and chief minister Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday urged party leaders and cadre to gear up for the upcoming local body elections with unity and coordination among alliance partners. Addressing the annual conclave, Mahanadu, he stressed that the party should work not just for the next election but for the “next generation,” while advising leaders to avoid ego clashes, stay connected with people, and ensure maximum voter enrolment during the ongoing revision drive.Naidu said the coalition govt had pulled Andhra Pradesh out of an economic and administrative “collapse” under the previous YSRCP regime and restored its credibility within a year. “The state was pushed onto a ventilator, but we have brought it back on track,” he said.Highlighting welfare measures, he said ₹63,000 crore had been spent on pensions. He also noted enhanced farmer support of ₹14,000 annually under the Annadata Sukhibhava scheme, compared to ₹7,500 earlier. From June 1, new aqua farmers will receive power at ₹1.50 per unit, he said, adding that 200 mechanised boats would be provided to fishermen on subsidy at a cost of ₹240 crore.The chief minister outlined a timeline for 36 priority projects, including completion of the Polavaram project before the next Pushkaram. He alleged that the previous govt had damaged the diaphragm wall but said reconstruction was completed.Targeting the opposition, Naidu criticised the YSRCP’s policies and vision, asserting that the TDP focuses on development, welfare, and law and order. He said the party believes in social equity and has spent ₹160 crore on cadre welfare, supporting workers through initiatives in education, healthcare, and employment.