Chandrababu Naidu Changes Course As TDP Rides Freebies Train In Preparation For 2024 Andhra Poll Battle

N Chandrababu Naidu, the leader of Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and former chief minister of Andhra Pradesh, has announced various freebies and welfare schemes aimed at women, unemployed youth, and farmers as part of the campaign for the assembly election in the state next April.

TDP's manifesto, "Bhavishyat ki guarantee", prioritises financial empowerment for women, job creation for youth, and upliftment of farmers as well as socially and economically backward communities.

Naidu unveiled the plan at TDP's annual conclave "Mahanadu" in Rajamahendravaram, stating that the party is prepared for the April 2024 election.

TDP was the first party in Andhra Pradesh to release its manifesto. A second part covering more sections of society is expected to be released later.

Naidu pledged to provide assistance to women aged 18-59 amounting to Rs 1,500 each month and Rs 15,000 per annum to new mothers if the TDP were to regain power.

In addition, the party's manifesto promises free travel for women on public transportation and three free LPG cylinders for each household annually.

The TDP leader promised to generate 2 million employment opportunities for young people, allocate Rs 3,000 per month for jobless youths through the Yuva Galam Nidhi initiative, and offer a yearly crop investment subsidy of Rs 20,000 to farmers.

Naidu promised monthly financial aid to empower women and reduce dependency, adding that TDP plans to increase female representation in local body polls.

The manifesto also vows household access to clean drinking water via tap.

TDP is, thus, charting a new course as it announces freebies like free travel for women and LPG cylinders when in the past it prioritised development, pulling in more investment, and information technology (IT), among other things.

In the face of tough competition from the Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy-led YSRCP, which has been providing financial assistance through numerous schemes, TDP has resorted to offering its own version of freebies.

TDP's second manifesto part likely includes additional freebies and financial aid commitments.