AP Moves From Destruction to Development in Past Two Years: Lokesh
Lokesh maintained that welfare programmes for women, weavers, fishermen, and auto drivers, apart from free bus travel under Stree Shakti and free LPG cylinders under Deepam, show the NDA government's commitment to welfare despite financial constraints.
Tirupati: Contrasting the NDA government's two-year record with the previous YSRC regime, education minister Nara Lokesh on Friday claimed that Andhra Pradesh has moved from "destruction to development," with the coalition restoring peace, expanding welfare programmes, and attracting investments across the state. Addressing the NDA government's second anniversary public meeting at Daminedu near Tirupati, Lokesh said the state has undergone a significant transformation since the coalition assumed office in 2024. He underlined that political violence, intimidation, encroachments and administrative excesses associated with the previous regime have given way to stability and good governance. Lokesh alleged that the previous government left behind a legacy of political vendetta and misgovernance. Referring to incidents involving Amarnath Goud, Dr Sudhakar, Subrahmanyam and Misba's family, he said the people have not forgotten the events between 2019 and 2024. As a result, the electorate had reduced the YSRC from 151 Assembly seats to 11. The minister accused the opposition of now obstructing development by filing hundreds of cases against the Mega DSC recruitment process and attempting to stall investments. Highlighting the NDA government's performance, he said social security pensions have been enhanced to ₹4,000, while pensions for persons with disabilities and bedridden beneficiaries have been increased. The government has reopened Anna Canteens, filled over 16,000 teacher posts through Mega DSC, recruited 6,000 police constables, and initiated steps to fill another 10,000 government vacancies.
Lokesh maintained that welfare programmes for women, weavers, fishermen, and auto drivers, apart from free bus travel under Stree Shakti and free LPG cylinders under Deepam, show the NDA government's commitment to welfare despite financial constraints.
The minister said the NDA government has attracted major investments across different regions of the state. While companies, such as Google and ArcelorMittal are investing in North Andhra, Quantum Valley is being developed in the coastal region. Rayalaseema has secured projects such as Royal Enfield, LG Electronics, Carrier, Reliance Industries, and proposed fighter aircraft manufacturing units.
Lokesh declared that the state government would take up a ₹1-lakh-crore Mission Rayalaseema programme aimed at transforming the region into "Royal Seema". Comparing Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu to Virat Kohli, he said there is no alternative to the CM when it comes to development-oriented politics. Praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the minister reiterated that AP is benefiting from the "double-engine bullet train government" at the centre and in the state. He called for unity among TD, Jana Sena, and BJP workers, urging coalition cadres to take the government's achievements to the people and work towards ensuring continuity in governance.
