Amaravati, March 29 TDP supremo and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday said that leaders who ignore party workers are not needed, asserting that the organization's strength lies in its cadre.
Addressing the gathering at the 44th Foundation Day celebrations of the Telugu Desam Party, Naidu emphasised discipline, commitment, and ideological adherence, noting that only those who perform well will be recognised and elevated as public representatives.
"Leaders who ignore or trouble party workers are not needed. Those who work hard will be recognised, protected, and encouraged with positions," he said, stressing that the TDP's victory is the state's victory.
Highlighting organisational strength, he said the TDP has a long history of achievements, sacrifices, and struggles, recalling that many workers laid down their lives, lost properties, and endured hardships for the party.
Naidu noted that the party laid the foundation for welfare and development in Andhra Pradesh, citing initiatives such as the Rs 2-per-kg rice scheme, women's property rights, Development of Women and Children in Rural Areas (DWCRA) groups, and power sector reforms, which later became models nationally.
He further said that political empowerment was ensured for backward classes, justice delivered to SCs through categorisation, and welfare measures extended to STs and minorities through dedicated initiatives.
Referring to past challenges, Naidu said attempts were made to weaken the party during different periods, including conspiracies and attacks on party leaders during Indira Gandhi's tenure, but the TDP emerged stronger.
The CM observed that the party has always stood by its workers, including supporting families of deceased cadres and providing educational assistance through institutional support.
He credited party workers for the current position of power, stating that their sacrifices and hard work enabled the party’s return and assured continued welfare measures, including free education for workers' families.
Naidu also highlighted governance achievements, noting that despite financial constraints, the government implemented welfare schemes such as social pensions, 'Thalliki Vandanam', 'Stree Shakti', and 'Annadata Sukhibhava'.
He said large-scale employment generation is underway with a target of 20 lakh jobs, adding that over 6.28 lakh employment opportunities have already been created.
On infrastructure, the chief minister reiterated his commitment to completing the Polavaram project and developing Amaravati as the sole capital, dismissing the concept of multiple capitals.
He asserted that Amaravati will be built as a future-ready capital city and alleged that certain forces are opposing it, while reaffirming the government's resolve to complete ongoing works by 2028.
Naidu also called on party leaders and workers to counter misinformation, remain connected with the public, and strengthen the party at all levels to ensure victory in the upcoming elections.
Energy Minister G Ravi Kumar said the Telugu Desam Party’s 44-year journey reflects resilience and a strong comeback driven by a committed cadre.
Participating in the Foundation Day celebrations at Kamepalli village in Addanki constituency, the minister paid tribute to NTR and hoisted the party flag before addressing the gathering.
“The dedication of party workers ensured TDP’s revival despite challenges and political setbacks,” said Kumar, crediting cadre strength for the party’s return to power.
He highlighted that TDP is the only party in India to come to power within nine months of its formation, recalling the transformative leadership and reforms initiated by NTR.
The minister noted that pioneering measures such as housing for the poor, property rights for women, Gurukul schools, and political representation for BC, SC, and ST communities were introduced during NTR’s tenure.
Kumar asserted that the coalition government is implementing its electoral promises and emphasised the responsibility of leaders to deliver welfare schemes effectively to the public.
He criticised YSRCP supremo and former Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy for allegedly spreading misinformation and claiming credit for ongoing government initiatives.
The minister said the PM Surya Ghar scheme aims to reduce electricity costs and announced plans to provide solar connections to SC and ST beneficiaries across constituencies.
He added that efforts are underway to reduce power purchase costs to Rs 4 per unit and stabilise the financial position of power utilities without increasing tariffs.