Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, on Sunday, invoked imagery from the Mahabharata, likening the people of his state to Krishna and himself to Arjuna in the political Kurukshetra.
The YSR Congress Party supremo, addressing a massive rally in Medarametla, referred to the attendees as his army, ready to propel the party to victory.
“I don’t have alliances with various parties; I am going to the polls alone, and what I have are many star campaigners from poor households,” Reddy said, referring to the Lok Sabha poll alliance between the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), the Janasena, and the BJP.
He asserted that the TDP, Janasena, and BJP are like commanders without armies.
The Chief Minister also emphasised the unity of the people in ensuring the state’s progress for another five years. The Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly election is scheduled to be held before May 2024.
Criticising former Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu of TDP over “past failures” in fulfilling promises and securing special category status for Andhra Pradesh, he labelled Naidu’s manifesto as “deceptive”. Jagan Reddy cited its similarity to schemes from other states.
Responding to TDP’s promise of “a new vision for Andhra Pradesh with Super Six guarantees,” the Chief Minister said it is a “burden on Andhra Pradesh’s Budget”.
Meanwhile, he promised to continue the ongoing welfare schemes without incurring additional costs.
Pension for 66 lah beneficiaries, free electricity for farmers, rice distribution through subsidies, healthcare coverage, fee reimbursement for education, Sampoorna Poshana program, and midday meals for schoolchildren, with a total expenditure of 52,700 crores, will continue, he added.
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