Naidu says NDA govt will protect temple sanctity, bring population management policy

Vijayawada: Chief minister Chandrababu Naidu on Friday said the state govt would deal firmly with law and order issues, warning that some groups were attempting to create unrest under the guise of politics. Referring to the Tirupati laddu controversy, he termed it a sensitive matter, alleging attempts to hurt the sanctity of the deity and the sentiments of devotees. Replying to the discussion on the motion of thanks to the governor's address in the assembly, Naidu assured that the NDA govt would protect the sanctity of TTD and all temples.He lashed out at YSRCP for linking adulterated ghee supply to Heritage Foods, a company managed by his family, calling it a deliberate attempt to tarnish reputations. He recalled how the Opposition had tried to implicate him in the YS Vivekananda Reddy murder case, citing the sensational headline "Narasura Rakta Charitra."Naidu announced that a population management policy would be introduced in the next Assembly session, stressing the need to improve the replacement rate. He said Andhra Pradesh had regained governance stability through a calibrated balance of welfare and development, correcting institutional and fiscal damage caused by the previous regime.The CM highlighted welfare schemes such as pensions, Deepam, Stree Shakti, Talliki Vandanam and Annadata Sukhibhava, noting they were being implemented despite financial stress. He emphasised wealth creation through PPP-based infrastructure, renewable energy initiatives, and futuristic technologies like quantum computing.Naidu revealed that Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates would visit the state on Feb 16 to explore digital health initiatives under the Sanjeevani project. He cited employment measures including completion of Mega DSC, police recruitment, and enhanced stipends for trainees. The state signed 610 MoUs worth ₹13.5 lakh crore, with proposed investments of ₹20 lakh crore expected to generate 23 lakh jobs.He accused the previous government of burdening consumers with ₹1.22 lakh crore in power sector liabilities, while the present regime absorbed a ₹4,860 crore true-up burden and assured no tariff hike for three years. He also alleged a ₹3,200 crore liquor scam, saying a new policy with enhanced tracking features was in place.Outlining Vision 2047, Naidu said the govt aimed to build a $2.4 trillion economy with high per capita income and living standards. He criticised the Opposition for disrupting the Governor's address, remarking that "people are watching."