Daijiworld Media Network - Vijayawada
Vijayawada, Mar 30: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday reaffirmed his commitment to eradicating poverty, calling it his life’s mission. Launching the ‘Margadarshi - Bangaru Kutumbam Zero Poverty’ (P4) initiative, he emphasized that achieving a society free of poverty is essential for sustainable progress.
Speaking at the official Telugu New Year ‘Ugadi’ celebrations in Vijayawada, Naidu stressed that wealth should not remain concentrated in the hands of a few. He asserted that true social justice can only be realized when quality education, healthcare, and economic opportunities are accessible to all. His vision includes a model where the wealthier sections of society support the underprivileged, urging 10% of the affluent population to voluntarily uplift the bottom 20%.
Reflecting on his tenure over the past nine months, Naidu stated that the NDA-led government has prioritized a “People First” approach in decision-making. Balancing welfare initiatives with economic development, his administration has been working to attract investments while introducing citizen-centric governance reforms such as WhatsApp Governance, which allows access to government services without bureaucratic hurdles.
Despite financial challenges, the state government presented a Rs 3.22 lakh crore budget for 2025-26, showcasing its commitment to economic growth and improved living standards. Naidu expressed hope that increased income levels would lead to happier and healthier lives for the people of Andhra Pradesh.
Taking a swipe at the previous administration, he lamented that the state suffered immensely over the past five years, claiming that the challenges left behind were unprecedented in his political career.
Naidu also highlighted his past achievements, recalling how he spearheaded the development of HITEC City in Hyderabad, revolutionizing the IT sector and providing employment opportunities for thousands. Now, he envisions a future driven by artificial intelligence and quantum technology. Drawing parallels, he reminisced about how mobile phones were once ridiculed but have now become indispensable. He emphasized that while technology can drive transformative change, it must be used responsibly to avoid negative societal impacts.
Aligning his vision with that of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, Naidu expressed his aspiration to make Andhra Pradesh a strong contributor to India’s global leadership. He underscored the importance of preserving India’s cultural heritage, reminding people that forgetting history equates to losing one’s identity.
Marking the significance of Ugadi, he recalled traditional festivities such as Pachadi and Panchanga Sravanam, reminiscing about childhood memories of villagers gathering to listen to the annual astrological forecasts.