Published Oct 27, 2026 | 12:51 PM ⚊ Updated Oct 27, 2026 | 12:51 PM
Andhra Pradesh Cheif Minister N Chandrababu Naidu.
Synopsis: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has urged voters to elect TDP-Jana Sena-BJP alliance candidates in the local body elections, saying that delays could affect Central funding and development works. He accused the YSRCP of obstructing the polls claimed that the government is rebuilding the systems that were “destroyed” in the state. Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan and State BJP president PVN Madhav also appealed to the public to support alliance candidates.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has appealed to voters to elect candidates of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP)-Jana Sena-BJP alliance in the local body elections, saying delays in holding the polls could stall Central funds and affect development works. Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan and State BJP president PVN Madhav also appealed to the public to support alliance candidates.
Naidu stated that the government is moving forward on the path of development by rebuilding the systems that were “destroyed” in the state.
Speaking at a media conference of NDA leaders in Amaravati, he criticised the previous regime while addressing key topics such as state reconstruction, cyclone preparedness, local elections, and alliance unity.
Naidu described the demolition of the Praja Vedika during the YSRCP regime as the beginning of destruction in the state. He criticised that events causing irreparable damage to the state started right from that point. He alleged that Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan was also subjected to harassment when he visited Visakhapatnam, and added that he himself was arrested without being served any notice, violating fundamental rights.
He recalled that under those circumstances, the three parties came together to lay the foundation for an alliance, leading to the formation of the NDA alliance in 2024. He said the people placed their trust in their promise to rebuild the state and blessed them with victory.
Naidu noted that the 2024 election victory was the most crucial milestone in TDP’s political journey, achieving a 95 percent strike rate and a 56.6 percent vote share. He asserted that they now bear the responsibility of putting the devastated state back on the track of development.
Naidu alleged that YSRCP leaders cannot tolerate the development taking place in the state. He criticised that the YSRCP does not want local elections to be held and is trying to obstruct the process out of fear of defeat.
He pointed out that 62 petitions have been filed on various issues since the election process began, creating a dilemma over whether the government should focus on developmental issues or fight petitions being filed in the courts. He further stated that hurdles arose in the election process due to issues like BC reservations, delimitation, and SIR.
He warned that if elections to local bodies are not conducted, Central funds could be stalled, which would in turn hamper developmental works.
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Naidu said that although police made announcements over microphones urging people to file nominations, and Collectors and SPs also issued statements, nominations were not filed to the expected level in some areas. However, citing the filing of nominations in areas like Kuppam, Pithapuram, Pulivendula, and Visakhapatnam, he challenged the opposition to explain the ground realities in those places.
He also demanded an answer as to why nominations were not filed in 76 percent of the seats in Kadapa district during the previous elections. He informed that around 46,000 candidates have filed nominations for MPTC seats and over 4,000 candidates for ZPTC seats, adding that it will only become clear which party the candidates are representing once party B-forms are issued to them.
Naidu stated that local body elections not only strengthen democracy but also contribute to the development of villages and towns. He urged the public to elect alliance candidates and support the government’s developmental programmes.
Speaking on natural calamities, Naidu noted that the state recently faced drought conditions, and the threat of a cyclone has now emerged as another challenge. He explained that measures were taken to prevent irrigation water problems by storing water in reservoirs. With the cooperation of the Central government, the support of Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, and the coordinated efforts of ministers and officials, the government was able to overcome many problems.
He mentioned that the government is conducting regular reviews on the impact of the cyclone and has directed the administration to work with the goal of completely preventing any loss of life. He urged the public to strictly follow the warnings and instructions issued by the government, clarifying that effectively tackling the cyclone and protecting lives and property is the government’s top priority.
He explained that TDP, Jana Sena, and BJP jointly selected the candidates, giving priority to educated, capable, and honest individuals. He opined that having efficient leadership in local bodies will allow developmental programmes to be implemented much more effectively.
Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan stated that the alliance parties are moving forward with coordination in the local body elections. Having reached a consensus on seat sharing among TDP, Jana Sena, and BJP, he advised party cadres to work with the same spirit at the grassroots level. He noted that compared to general elections, seat adjustment in local elections is much more complex, and accommodating everyone becomes a challenge due to the large number of aspirants.
Pawan Kalyan explained that seat sharing was finalised keeping the state’s interests in mind and reflecting the unity of the alliance. He praised the Chief Minister for utilising his vast political experience to carry out this exercise effectively. He assured that they would take the responsibility of doing justice to those who could not get tickets in these elections. However, he called upon the leaders and workers of all alliance parties to work collectively for the victory of the candidates already announced by the alliance.
Pawan Kalyan revealed that safe drinking water supply works worth Rs 30,000 crore have been taken up under the Jal Jeevan Mission. He stated that programmes are being implemented with the goal of providing safe drinking water to 3.20 crore rural people in the state, and the government is taking steps towards achieving Grama Swarajyam (village self-rule) by improving basic infrastructure in villages.
Criticising the previous regime for putting employees through hardships, Pawan Kalyan stated that under Naidu’s leadership, payments worth ₹30,000 crore have been cleared. He also mentioned that the government is acting tough on eradicating ganja (cannabis) and taking strict measures keeping the future of the youth in mind.
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State BJP President PVN Madhav said that the alliance government prioritises welfare, development, and good governance. He stated that while implementing the promises made to the people during the elections, the government is also continuing several additional developmental programmes, and urged the public to bless the alliance candidates in the local body elections.
Madhav noted that the Central government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is extending full cooperation to Andhra Pradesh. The leaders opined that for the ongoing developmental activities in the state to move forward further, the alliance must be strengthened in the local bodies as well.
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
