From last few days Andhra Pradesh engages in political showdown over “One Year of TDP-led NDA” Governance. An intense political rivalry is unfolding as two significant campaigns gain momentum, pitting the ruling NDA coalition against the opposition YSR Congress Party (YSRCP). Ruling alliance declares the AP Report Card “Progressive” and the Opposition labels it a "Guaranteed Hoax"!
“Good Governance” vs. “Fraud Guarantees”... State public experiences echoes of finely tuned political campaign slogans at the village level. Ruling TDP-led NDA touts their achievements during 'First Year' of rule, while opposition YSRCP alleges Chandrababu Naidu diverting the things to side-line his government’s failures in implementation of 'Super Six' Election Promises.
Month Long “Suparipalana” Campaign
Under the banner of “Suparipalana lo Toli Audugu (First Step Towards Good Governance). Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu leads the NDA, touting promises fulfilled, a goal of 15% economic growth, and showcasing the government's accomplishments during its inaugural year. The NDA has emphasized various welfare initiatives like 'Talliki Vandanam' (a program providing financial support for children’s education), pension schemes, advancements in digital governance, and infrastructure projects.
Actor-turned-politician and Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan asserts that the NDA will govern Andhra Pradesh for the next 15 to 20 years, emphasizing a strict stance against law enforcement violations. Meanwhile, the Minister Nara Lokesh, a prominent leader in the party, criticized the YSRCP's previous rule, claiming it resulted in "painful destruction" while contending that the NDA is committed to delivering "good governance."
The Telugu Desam Party (TDP), part of the NDA coalition along with the Jana Sena and the BJP, is conducting a door-to-door campaign aimed at showcasing the ruling coalition’s achievements over the past year. TDP leaders, including Naidu and various ministers and MLAs, are personally engaging with constituents, sharing success stories, and distributing informative materials. The campaign leverages geo-tagged data for monitoring public response and ensuring accountability.
Key accomplishments spotlighted
Timely pension disbursements through the 'Talliki Vandanam' initiative, significantly increasing funding and expanding eligibility compared to the prior regime.
Support for farmers via initiatives like the Handri-Neeva project.
Plans for job creation and provision of free gas cylinders under the 'Deepam-2' scheme.
Enhanced welfare expenditures in comparison to the former YSRCP administration.
Advancements in digital governance, with various government services now accessible via WhatsApp.
Recent inaugurations of development projects in Kuppam, including skill development programs, airport initiatives, and infrastructure improvements.
A strategic focus on decentralized development, with aspirations to transform Rayalaseema into a technological hub.
Achievements of 12.02% economic growth in the first year of governance, alongside complete railway electrification and the operation of Vande Bharat trains.
The rollout of the Polavaram-Banakacherla major river linking project.
A crucial aspect of the campaign is its effort to counteract opposition "misinformation" and restore public trust by directly connecting with voters and demonstrating the coalition’s delivery on electoral promises.
YSRCP’s “Babu Surity – Mosam Guarantee” Campaign
In response to the NDA coalition, the opposition YSR Congress Party is rallying its supporters around the "Babu Surity - Mosam Guarantee” Campaign. This initiative aims to critique the current government and Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu by revealing what the YSRCP claims are "broken promises" and failures of the NDA leadership. Prominent YSRCP figures, including leader Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, have taken active roles in the campaign. They allege that since the change in government, there has been deceitful governance marked by systemic failures to fulfill pre-election commitments.
Specific accusations include the cancellation of over one lakh pensions for disabled individuals, purported harassment, illegal arrests of YSRCP activists, and the misuse of police authority. Furthermore, the YSRCP alleges that the current administration has created a hostile environment for businesses, contributing to industrial exodus, and has been implicated in liquor-related scandals. The party has published a book detailing these claims, which is available for download via a QR code.
These two political campaigns represent a stark confrontation in Andhra Pradesh’s political landscape, with the ruling alliance emphasizing its achievements while the opposition highlights perceived shortcomings and unmet promises.
