Naidu kicks off Mahanadu meet

The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has played a key role in important decisions taken by successive central governments and is a trendsetter in welfare, reforms and development, said TDP president and Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu.

- Srinivasa Rao Apparasu

HYDERABAD: The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has played a key role in important decisions taken by successive central governments and is a trendsetter in welfare, reforms and development, said TDP president and Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu.

"TDP played a key role in many decisions taken by various central governments. What Andhra Pradesh thinks today, India thinks tomorrow — this has been proven several times," Naidu said during his inaugural address on the first day of the three-day Mahanadu, the party's biennial conclave being held at Kadapa.

He said that the TDP presented a report on Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during demonetisation in 2016.

"I requested only one thing—today, you are rescinding the ₹500 and ₹1,000 notes and introducing a new ₹2,000 note. If the need arises, rescind the ₹500, ₹1,000, and ₹2,000 note and introduce digital currency—if there are any corrupt people, we can easily catch them," said Naidu.

He said that the TDP has waged "unforgettable" battles for the people including against the Obulapuram mining scam, which he described as a stand for justice and people's rights. He added that the NDA government is committed to accountability and would not spare those guilty of corruption. "Our commitment is "State First," and our path is that of "Positive Politics," he said.

The CM recalled that TDP faced numerous challenges over the past 43 years but its flag has always flown high. He alleged that the party cadre suffered immensely during the previous Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) regime, and that many TDP workers lost their lives. He complimented the party cadre for the 2024 assembly election victory, terming it "phenomenal" with a 93% strike rate.