YS Jagan claims Chandrababu Naidu has no achievements, but long list of unfulfilled promises

NARSAPURAM: Chief Minister and YSR Congress Party president YS Jagan Mohan Reddy accused TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu and his allies of betraying the people of Andhra Pradesh, stating that their alliance failed to deliver on its promises in the past.

Speaking at an election campaign rally in Narasapuram in the West Godavari district on Friday, Jagan highlighted his government's success in empowering students pursuing higher education through various government schemes. "Ninety-three per cent of the students benefited from programs such as Vidya and Vasathi Deevena, with 100% college fees reimbursed," he stated.

Jagan underscored his government's commitment to women's empowerment and self-sufficiency, noting that they had implemented laws to guarantee 50% reservation for women in specific sectors. He also pointed out the direct benefit transfers his administration facilitated, emphasising that they had provided Rs. 2.70 lakh crore through 130 disbursements without corruption, discrimination, or lack of transparency.

While criticising the TDP chief, Jagan remarked, "Naidu was Chief Minister for 14 years across three terms. Could he account for any significant welfare initiatives for the people of Andhra Pradesh?" He added, "On the other hand, the people of Andhra Pradesh witnessed your leader (referring to himself) who prioritised welfare and development in every sector."

Jagan highlighted the failed promises of the TDP's 2014 manifesto, which was distributed to people's doorsteps, but many of its commitments were never fulfilled. He listed several significant examples, including the waiver of farmer loans totalling Rs. 87,612 crore and Self-Help Groups' loans amounting to Rs. 14,205 crores. The manifesto also promised to provide Rs. 25,000 under the 'Mahalakshmi Scheme' for every girl child born and job guarantees for every household, with a monthly unemployment benefit of Rs. 2,000 if the promise was not met. Additionally, it aimed to provide three cents of land to eligible beneficiaries, promote housing for the poor, allocate Rs. 10,000 crore for a BC sub-plan, waive handloom and power loom loans, and establish a Women's Protection Force while developing districts on par with Singapore and cities on par with Hitech City. However, Jagan emphasised that these promises remained unfulfilled, illustrating the TDP's failure to deliver on its commitments.

"Despite failing to fulfill these promises in 2014, the same alliance came forward with a new manifesto and a new set of promises," Jagan said. He urged people to consider the achievements of the YSRCP government over the last five years and remember how Chandrababu Naidu's government betrayed them in the past.