Triple-Engine Growth: Naidu Urges Massive Mandate for NDA in Local Polls
CM Chandrababu Naidu calls for a massive mandate in local body polls to achieve a triple-engine pace of development in Andhra Pradesh.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has made a strong appeal to the electorate to back National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidates in the upcoming local body elections. Alongside Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan and BJP state president PVN Madhav, the Chief Minister emphasized that a decisive victory at the local level is essential to achieve a triple-engine pace of development across the state.
The Vision for 'Triple-Engine' Development
Speaking to the media, Chief Minister Naidu explained that while the Centre and the State are already functioning as a "double-engine" government, securing a win in the local bodies would add the third gear necessary for rapid progress. He urged citizens to provide the alliance with an even larger mandate than the one received in the 2024 general elections.
Naidu stressed the importance of strengthening local governance, stating that the government has taken full responsibility for securing the necessary funds to ensure these bodies can effectively drive regional growth.
Candidate Selection and Discipline
The Chief Minister revealed that the coalition parties have prioritized youth and educated candidates for the current local body polls. He noted that the seat-sharing and candidate selection process was even more rigorous and detailed than the exercise conducted for the general elections.
To ensure a unified front, Naidu issued a clear directive:
- Support must be given exclusively to candidates who have received official party B-forms.
- All other aspirants are expected to cooperate fully to ensure the victory of the chosen candidates.
- Strict disciplinary action will be taken against anyone working against the alliance's collective decisions.
Critique of the Opposition
Turning his attention to the YSRCP, the Chief Minister accused the opposition of misusing the government's restraint and deliberately creating hurdles in the path of development. He alleged that while the opposition is bogged down by internal family disputes and property issues, his government remains focused on the welfare of the poor.
Naidu also took a swipe at the opposition's habit of questioning Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) following electoral losses. He pointed out the irony by reminding the public that the YSRCP had won 151 Assembly seats in 2019 using the exact same EVM technology.
Focus on Governance and Relief
The Chief Minister highlighted several key achievements of the current administration to contrast with the previous regime:
- Electricity Tariffs: Naidu claimed the previous government hiked tariffs nine times in five years, burdening consumers with ₹32,000 crore. In contrast, the current government has avoided increases and implemented downward adjustments in true-up charges.
- Infrastructure: The government is actively working toward a pothole-free road network to improve connectivity.
- Welfare: The administration is focused on delivering on all pre-election promises and ensuring justice for all sections of society.
Unity Among Alliance Partners
Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan reinforced the message of unity, stating that the TDP, BJP, and Jana Sena have reached a complete consensus on seat-sharing through mutual understanding. He credited the Chief Minister's extensive political experience for the smooth finalization of these arrangements.
Kalyan further noted that the public's growing confidence in the NDA government is already attracting significant investments to Andhra Pradesh. He also contrasted the current administration's approach toward state employees with the previous government, mentioning that under Naidu's leadership, ₹30,000 crore has been paid to address pending dues.