Andhra Pradesh NDA Allies TDP, BJP, Janasena Unveil Welfare-Heavy Election Manifesto

In a significant political development in Andhra Pradesh, TDP chief N. Chandrababu Naidu, on Tuesday, announced the election manifesto for the NDA alliance, comprising TDP, Janasena, and BJP. This announcement comes ahead of the upcoming elections for the 175-member assembly and 25 Lok Sabha seats in the state, scheduled for May 13.

The manifesto, unveiled at Naidu's residence in Undavalli, Guntur district, introduces a series of welfare-centric schemes, prominently featuring the 'super six' promises aimed at various demographics, including women, youth, and farmers. Among these promises are a monthly pension of Rs 1,500 for women aged 19 to 59 years, the creation of 20 lakh jobs for youth alongside a monthly unemployment aid of Rs 3,000, and free bus travel for women.

Other notable schemes under the super six include the provision of three free cooking gas cylinders annually to every household, an annual financial assistance of Rs 15,000 for every school-going child, and Rs 20,000 yearly aid to every farmer. The manifesto also outlines a P4 scheme focusing on Public, Private, People, and Partnership to boost the income of the poor.

Welfare pensions are set to increase from Rs 3,000 to Rs 4,000 per month starting April. Additionally, specially-abled individuals will receive Rs 6,000 monthly, while those with complete disability are promised Rs 15,000 per month. Patients suffering from long-term illnesses like kidney issues and thalassemia will be granted a monthly pension of Rs 10,000.

On employment for youth, Naidu has committed to a mega teacher recruitment drive and an annual job calendar. He also plans to establish dedicated employment zones across North Andhra, Coastal Andhra, and Rayalaseema regions. The manifesto pledges to implement the 10% Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) reservation introduced by the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre and conduct an economic survey every five years.

Naidu assured that the Land Titling Act introduced by the YSRCP government would be rescinded. He also promised controlled petrol and diesel prices and an enhanced honorarium of Rs 10,000 per month for government volunteers. The quick completion of the Polavaram irrigation project and the introduction of Chandranna Insurance scheme offering coverage for natural and accidental deaths are among other promises.

The manifesto also includes a health insurance scheme providing Rs 25 lakh coverage for every household in Andhra Pradesh, digital health cards for individuals, and free generic medicines for non-communicable diseases.

Highlighting regional development plans, Naidu stated that Visakhapatnam would be developed as the financial capital of Andhra Pradesh. He also emphasized on developing Amaravati as the state capital and taking measures for its reconstruction.

The manifesto covers schemes across various sectors including tourism, food processing, industrialization and investments, aquaculture, irrigation, and religious communities among others. Naidu expressed confidence in BJP's support for the manifesto despite their national-level manifesto being separate.

In response to the opposition's manifesto, YSRCP chief and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy criticized the absence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's photograph as indicative of unattainable promises and lack of agreement from BJP.

As part of a seat-sharing deal among NDA partners for the upcoming elections, TDP has been allocated 144 assembly and 17 Lok Sabha constituencies. BJP will contest from six Lok Sabha and 10 assembly seats while Janasena will contest two Lok Sabha and 21 assembly seats.