Vijayawada: Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu said the people had given him the historic opportunity to lead Andhra Pradesh after its bifurcation in 2014, enabling him to make the state one of India’s top three. Speaking after unfurling the national flag at the Indira Gandhi Municipal Stadium, he accused the government in power from 2018–2023 of reversing progress, pushing the state back 30 years, and leaving it burdened with debts of ₹10 lakh crore.Naidu said the alliance government, which returned to power in 2024 with a “silent revolution” and a 57% vote share, is committed to welfare, development, and good governance. In its first year, it launched schemes like NTR Bharosa pensions for 64 lakh people, ‘Talliki Vandanam’ for women, and Annadata Sukhibhava for farmers. Free bus travel for women under ‘Streeshakti,’ free LPG cylinders, and revival of Anna Canteens are among the initiatives.He announced completion of the mega DSC recruitments by month-end and reiterated the government’s welfare record — free electricity for salons, handlooms, and powerlooms, financial aid to fishermen, and SC classification reforms.On infrastructure, Naidu said ₹1,000 crore is being spent on roads in tribal areas, Velugonda project works are underway, and Godavari surplus water will be diverted to Banakacharla without harming other states’ interests. The Polavaram project will be completed by December 2027 with Centre’s support of ₹12,157 crore. He also promised safe drinking water to every home by 2028 under the Jala Jeevan Mission, easier building permissions, and encouragement for industries, with ₹1.84 lakh crore in investments approved so far.“Our economy is not dead; it is a good economy,” he said, adding that companies like Google, TCS, and Cognizant are investing in the state again.
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