Naidu prioritizes publicity over people, alleges YSRCP
YSRCP spokesperson Putha Siva Sankar accuses CM Chandrababu Naidu of prioritizing social media influencers over farmers and unemployed youth.
In a scathing attack on the Andhra Pradesh administration, YSRCP spokesperson Putha Siva Sankar has accused Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu of being obsessed with publicity. Speaking at the YSRCP Central Office in Tadepalli, Sankar claimed that the state government is diverting massive amounts of public money toward promotional activities while essential relief remains withheld from farmers, unemployed youth, employees, and journalists.
Allegations of Misuse of Public Funds
The YSRCP spokesperson highlighted a significant discrepancy in state spending. He noted that Rs 330 crore has already been allocated to the Information and Public Relations (I&PR) department. Sankar questioned the necessity of a new framework designed to empanel social-media influencers to publicize government programs, arguing that existing official PR, print, and electronic media channels are already sufficient.
The core of the controversy lies in the following allegations:
- Influencer Payments vs. Unemployment Allowance: Sankar pointed out that while influencers could be paid up to Rs 1.5 lakh per month, the promised Rs 3,000 unemployment allowance remains unpaid to the youth.
- Bot and Fake Follower Concerns: He raised concerns that public funds might be used to benefit TDP and ITDP-linked accounts through the use of easily purchasable fake followers and bots.
- Digital Suppression: The spokesperson alleged that opposition accounts are being suppressed while fake IDs are being created to manipulate public perception.
A Challenge to Address Ground Realities
The YSRCP has challenged the government to move beyond "graphics and reels" to address the actual crises facing the state. Sankar demanded that instead of promotional content, the government should focus on the following critical issues:
Unresolved Promises and Hardships
- Agricultural Distress: Farmers in North Andhra are facing crop damage due to heavy rains and cyclone conditions, yet they lack adequate support. The party also noted that free crop insurance has allegedly been withdrawn.
- Economic Promises: The YSRCP questioned the status of the "Super Six" promises, including the Rs 1,500 monthly assistance for women.
- Employment and Education: Concerns were raised regarding unpaid Dearness Allowance (DA) and Interim Relief (IR), as well as the status of fee reimbursements.
- Healthcare Infrastructure: The party claimed that medical colleges, which were reported to be 80 percent complete, are now being pushed toward privatization.
Criticism of Leadership Style
Sankar further criticized the Home Minister for prioritizing social media reels at barrages over governance. He also took aim at Chief Minister Naidu's recent international travels during times of local crisis, contrasting this with his past public engagement during the Hudhud cyclone.
The spokesperson concluded by stating that the government's priority seems to be the creation of digital hype rather than providing relief to the people of Andhra Pradesh, specifically mentioning the neglect of journalists' welfare and health benefits.