Naidu called for the complete withdrawal of ₹2,000 notes to curb black money, promote digital political donations, and reduce cash circulation, reaffirming TDP’s commitment to transparency and clean politics
Published May 27, 2025 | 3:29 PM ⚊ Updated May 27, 2025 | 3:29 PM
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu. (X)
Synopsis: At the TDP’s annual Mahanadu conclave, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu urged the Centre to withdraw ₹500 notes, citing the rise of digital payments. He said high-value currency enables black money and recalled recommending the removal of ₹500 and ₹1,000 notes earlier. Naidu reiterated TDP’s commitment to clean politics and backed fully digital political funding
Telugu Desam Party (TDP) president and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday, 27 May, urged the Centre to scrap even the ₹500 denomination notes.
The chief minister, in his inaugural address at the three-day Mahanadu in CK Dinne Mandal in Kadapa district, said there was no need for high-value currency notes as digital transactions have become widespread.
He recalled suggesting the scrapping of high-value notes of ₹500 and ₹1,000 to the Centre in the past, but while ₹1,000 notes were abolished, ₹500 notes were retained, and ₹2,000 notes were introduced.
Naidu emphasised the need for the complete withdrawal of ₹2,000 notes to eliminate black money. “This would benefit politics as well. Now, funds can be contributed to political parties through digital means. Removing hard currency from circulation will do a lot of good,” he said, adding that the Telugu Desam Party has always been committed to clean politics and never encouraged hoarding black money.
The Chief Minister was in an upbeat mood while addressing the annual conclave of the Telugu Desam Party, being held in Kadapa for the first time since its inception in 1982.
A festive atmosphere prevailed, with nearly 25,000 delegates attending the inaugural day of the party’s convention. Upon arrival, Naidu signed the delegates’ register and visited a photo exhibition before addressing the gathering.
Naidu underscored that welfare, development, and reforms are the three cornerstones of the party. He announced a free bus ride scheme for women in APSRTC buses, starting on Independence Day (15 August), though he did not provide details.
It remains unclear whether the scheme mirrors Telangana’s initiative, where women can travel free on all buses excluding Super Luxury, Deluxe, or AC buses like Rajadhani, Garuda Plus, or Lahari.
He also unveiled “Thalli Ki Vandanam” — one of the party’s “Super Six” promises — under which eligible students (or their mothers/guardians) will receive ₹15,000 annually for educational expenses. Though he did not specify a launch date, Naidu assured the scheme would be rolled out before schools reopen. The government has allocated ₹9,407 crore for its implementation in the 2024–25 academic year.
Another “Super Six” promise, the “Annadata” scheme, was announced, offering farmers ₹20,000 annually (including the Centre’s ₹6,000 PM-Kisan payout). The amount will be disbursed in three instalments.
Naidu termed the Mahanadu’s Kadapa debut a historic event, signaling the development of drought-prone Rayalaseema. He highlighted the Polavaram-Banakcharla river-linking project as a priority to drought-proof the region. “I am grateful to Kadapa’s voters, who helped TDP win 7 of 10 Assembly seats. Next time, we must win all 10,” he declared.
He asserted that the TDP’s momentum has remained unbroken since its founding 43 years ago, dismissing critics like former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, who had predicted the party’s decline.
In a subtle hint at succession, Naidu elevated his son and IT Minister Nara Lokesh to the stature of NTR senior. “NTR took out Chaitanya Ratham yatra, I went on Vastunna Meeksam, and Lokesh led Yuva Galam padayatra for the party’s growth.” he said and also referenced six policy documents introduced by Lokesh, which will be discussed in delegate sessions, emphasising their focus on public welfare and party growth.
Naidu touted the TDP as the only party upholding values in politics, noting that many of those who are in other parties were once “students of Telugu Desam University.”
The TDP chief highlighted the party’s record-breaking membership drive, enrolling one crore members in 45 days. “What Andhra Pradesh thinks today, the nation thinks tomorrow,” he said, citing how other states followed TDP’s lead in prioritizing the welfare of the Backward Classes (BCs).
He issued a stern warning that he would not tolerate crime, indirectly targeting YSRCP leaders. His remarks assume significance in the wake of a state-wide crackdown on YSRCP leaders who allegedly resorted to crimes when their party was in power.
(Edited by Ananya Rao)
