CM Jagan's Punches on TDP, Janasena and BJP's Unholy Alliance in Kurnool

In yet another transformative initiative aimed at empowering women from the economically backward class (EBC) category, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy credited financial assistance of Rs 629.37 crore under the ‘YSR EBC Nestham’ scheme into the bank accounts of 4,19,583 women beneficiaries at an event held in Banaganapalle in Nandyal district.

Under the YSRCP government's tenure, a total of Rs 1,877 crore has been allocated, providing Rs 15,000 annually, totaling Rs 45,000 over three years, to women aged between 45-60 years. These women, hailing from Reddy, Kamma, Aryavaishya, Brahmin, Kshatriya, Velama, and other OC communities, are being empowered to become self-reliant by using this financial assistance to start their businesses.

Addressing a huge gathering of women supporters, Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy stated, "While the YSR EBC Nestham scheme was not part of our election manifesto, our government initiated it to provide financial empowerment to women from OC communities too and ensure that poverty is completely alleviated in the state."

Highlighting the positive impact of the EBC Nestham scheme on impoverished women from OC communities, CM Jagan emphasised that the YSRCP government has spearheaded the empowerment of women through various welfare schemes like YSR Cheyutha, Amma Vodi, Vidya Deevena, Vasathi Deevena, House Site Distribution and Construction of Pucca Houses to Houseless Poor Women, Sunna Vaddi, and others, implemented over the past 58 months.

Drawing attention to the contrasting approaches of the previous TDP regime and the current YSRCP government in delivering welfare benefits, CM Jagan urged beneficiaries to compare the financial assistance they received during both administrations. He emphasised the stark contrast, stating, "While the TDP government under Chandrababu failed to provide even a single rupee to the poor, neglecting their welfare, the YSRCP government has distributed a substantial Rs 2.70 lakh crore directly into the bank accounts of the poor through direct benefit transfer (DBT) under various welfare schemes."

Taking a jibe at Chandrababu Naidu and Pawan Kalyan, CM Jagan accused them of lacking credibility and principles. He also said that their recent alliance with the BJP was not to counter his leadership but to hinder the progress of the underprivileged class.

Recalling their previous alliance in 2014 betraying the farmers and women of the state, CM Jagan stated, “Chandrababu deceived farmers by promising to waive off their loans totaling Rs 87,612 crore and cheated the DWCRA communities by failing to clear outstanding dues of Rs 14,205 crore.”

The Chief Minister highlighted the unfulfilled promises made by Chandrababu Naidu to women in 2014. He pointed out that out of a two-page manifesto that included nine promises exclusively for women, such as Maha Lakshmi, Pandenti Bidda, Smartphones for poor women, Rs 100 subsidy on gas cylinders, Cycles for high school-going girl children, and Kutera Lakshmi scheme to make women entrepreneurs, Chandrababu failed to fulfill even one promise.

Concluding his address, CM Jagan urged the beneficiaries of the welfare schemes, calling them ‘star campaigners’ to come forward and raise awareness about the positive impact of the YSRCP government's initiatives. He also encouraged them to use their vote as a weapon to counter unholy alliances and ensure the continued progress of the state.