YSRCP set to unveil manifesto on 10 March; promise of free bus rides for women likely

Also Read: It’s all ‘Kauravas’, ‘Vamana avatar’, ‘Bluffmaster’ in poll-bound Andhra

Free bus rides 

The party’s election campaign is encapsulated in a succinct and impactful slogan, “Siddham”, which translates to “Ready” in Telugu. YS Jagan initiated the first cadre meeting in Bheemunipatnam, Visakhapatnam, on 27 January, setting the tone for the ensuing political fervour.

Overseeing the event arrangements, Nellore in-charge and Rajya Sabha MP V Vijaysai Reddy, confidently declared to the media, “We are holding the fourth Siddham meeting, which would be the last meeting at Bapatla, on 10 March.”

He added, “Chief Minister YS Jagan will explain the development and welfare initiatives we have undertaken in the past four years and 10 months, and will also unveil the highlights of the YSRCP’s election manifesto.”

On 29 February, a party manifesto meeting took place, unveiling new promises and affirming the continuity of the existing Navaratnalu (nine welfare schemes).

Sources reveal that the proposal for free bus rides for women came under consideration, drawing inspiration from its successful implementation by the Congress government in neighbouring states like Karnataka and Telangana. This strategic move is believed to bolster the party’s appeal among women voters.

Given the TDP’s previous commitment to free travel, spearheaded by Chandrababu Naidu, the YSRCP is reportedly contemplating a similar pledge to complement its existing promises.

Also Read: Feasible or not, Welfarism trumps Development pitch in Andhra elections

YSRCP banking on trust factor

Campaigning under the premise that the public “trusts” YS Jagan to fulfill his promises, the party highlights a significant “trust deficit” in the TDP due to its historical failures in implementing promises.

During a recent YSRCP Siddham internal meeting on 27 February, YS Jagan passionately urged the cadre to emphasise his commitment to continuing welfare schemes. He instructed them to caution everyone that failure to vote for the YSRCP would halt all ongoing welfare initiatives.

Taking a swipe at the TDP, he remarked, “Naidu made all these promises without knowing how it would be possible to fulfil them. We don’t do that. What we say, we do. Our manifesto is our bible. But for the TDP, their manifesto goes to the dustbin because they don’t care about the poor.”

“We can’t even find the TDP manifesto on their website. What will their cadre say on the ground? I still remember the false ads given by CBN (Chandrababu Naidu) on gold loans, farmer waivers, etc — all lies,” he added.