Re-elected as the National President of TDP for another two-year term on Wednesday, N Chandrababu Naidu reiterated his vision to develop Rayalaseema into a horticulture hub for the entire state.
Published May 29, 2025 | 11:30 PM ⚊ Updated May 29, 2025 | 11:30 PM
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Synopsis: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu unveiled a development roadmap for Rayalaseema at the TDP’s Mahanadu conclave in Kadapa, pledging to transform the region into a “land of pearls” through major infrastructure investments and employment generation. Key announcements included ₹3,870 crore for the Handri-Neeva irrigation project, ₹4,500 crore for the Rayalaseema Steel Plant, and the establishment of a High Court bench in Kurnool.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) President N Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday, 29 May, unveiled a development roadmap for the Rayalaseema region, pledging to transform it into the “pearl necklace” of the state.
The announcement was made on the concluding day of the party’s annual conclave, Mahanadu, held in Kadapa.
“The days of using Rayalaseema for political benefit are over,” Naidu declared, expressing delight at the massive public gathering.
“Our government is committed to turning Rayalaseema into Ratanala Seema (land of pearls).”
Re-elected as the National President of TDP for another two-year term on Wednesday, N Chandrababu Naidu reiterated his vision to develop Rayalaseema into a horticulture hub for the entire state.
He announced a series of infrastructure and development measures for the region, including an allocation of ₹3,870 crore for the Handri-Neeva Sujala Sravanthi irrigation project and ₹1,000 crore for the Galeru-Nagari project, aimed at improving water access in Kadapa.
Furthermore, Naidu said that groundwork for the Rayalaseema Steel Plant in Kadapa would begin before 12 June. The first phase of the project is set to bring in an investment of ₹4,500 crore and generate 3,500 jobs.
He further pledged to expedite the setting up of a High Court bench in Kurnool and to complete the construction of the Haj House in Kadapa.
The third day of the annual Mahanadu conclave witnessed a massive turnout marked by a sea of TDP flags, banners, and enthusiastic party workers.
Roads leading to the venue were choked with vehicles, forcing attendees to park far away and walk to the site.
Describing the Mahanadu at Kadapa as a “super hit,” Naidu said the event symbolised a new chapter for the TDP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), which returned to power in June 2024.
Thanking the people of Rayalaseema for their electoral support, Naidu highlighted that while the Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) managed to win only seven seats across the region, TDP secured seven seats in Kadapa district alone.
“In the next elections, we aim to win all 10 seats in Kadapa,” he said, calling the district “Telugu Desam Adda” (TDP’s stronghold) to underline YSRCP’s diminishing influence.
Naidu used the platform to deliver a scathing critique of the previous YSRCP government, accusing it of rampant land misappropriation and resource plundering.
“We stopped YSRCP workers from grabbing lands by forging documents and looting the state’s sand and mineral resources,” he said.
The Chief Minister highlighted his efforts to rebuild Andhra Pradesh “brick by brick” after the previous administration left the state’s economy and law-and-order situation in disarray.
“Vengeful politics was the hallmark of the YSRCP government, a textbook case of how not to govern,” Naidu said, contrasting it with TDP’s commitment to transforming livelihoods.
He also recalled the “persecution” of TDP workers under the YSRCP regime.
“I remained undeterred despite their harassment. I wasn’t afraid even when claymore mines blew up my vehicle in October, 2003. Why would I fear YSRCP hardships?” he said, stressing that his focus would remain on improving the living standards of people using technology.
Information Technology Minister and TDP National General Secretary Nara Lokesh also addressed the gathering, accusing the YSRCP government of driving away industries and causing 30,000 deaths due to its “selfish liquor policy” involving the sale of substandard liquor.
“The YSRCP turned the state into a pile of debts, but better days have arrived,” Lokesh said.
Despite the state’s financial limitations, he assured the public that the NDA government was making sincere efforts to rebuild Andhra Pradesh and deliver on its promises.
Touching upon Naidu’s arrest in September 2023 in the alleged Andhra Pradesh Skill Development Scam, Lokesh noted, “The people have confined those who jailed Naidu to the four walls of their ‘palace.’”
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
