While the government headed by Telugu Desam Party (TDP) in Andhra Pradesh had promoted ‘Araku Coffee’ cultivated in the Agency region of Alluri Sitharama Raju district and brought it international recognition, the one helmed by the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) brought the region disrepute by encouraging anti-social activities such as ganja cultivation, alleged TDP national president N. Chandrababu Naidu on January 20.
Addressing a large number of tribal people who attended the party’s ‘Raa Kadali Raa’ public meeting at Araku Valley, Mr. Naidu lambasted the YSRCP government in the State for “completely neglecting the development of the district and ignoring the problems of the tribal people, and exploiting the natural resources of the region.”
Terming the YSRCP government as “anti-tribal,” the former Chief Minister said the tribal farmers were struggling to secure affordable prices for their produce.
“Araku has a very special place in my heart due to its scenic hills and valleys,” Mr. Naidu said.
Bauxite mining
Stating that the TDP government had opposed bauxite mining in the Agency area, Mr. Naidu alleged that the YSRCP government was involved in large-scale mining of bauxite in the name of laterite. “The bauxite being mined is being transported to Bharathi Cements, which belongs to Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy,” the TDP chief alleged.
The TDP government had issued G.O. No. 3, which assured jobs for locals, but the YSRCP government revoked it, he alleged.
Mr. Jagan Mohan Reddy had withdrawn 16 tribal welfare schemes, which included Giri Puthrika Kalyan, food basket, mosquito nets distribution, and free electricity for up to 200 units, Mr. Naidu said.
Referring to the recent ‘dholi deaths’ of a woman and six-month-old baby in S. Kota mandal, Mr. Naidu said such instances were increasing in the Agency areas.
While the TDP government had launched feeder ambulance services, Thalli-Bidda Express and Maha Prasthanam vehicles for the benefit of the needy during emergencies, the YSRCP government had withdrawn all such services, he said.
Mr. Naidu said that the TDP-JSP combine, if elected to power, would develop ASR district, supply safe drinking water to tribals, and promote tourism to generate employment in the region. He also promised all help the Polavaram project displaced villagers.
Reminding that he had adopted a village when the TDP government was in power, Mr. Naidu said a special action plan would be prepared to improve the living standards of the tribals.
Taking a dig at the YSRCP MLAs and leaders from Paderu, Araku, Parvathipuram and other Agency areas, Mr. Naidu said they were resorting to large-scale corruption.
Three capitals
Referring to Mr. Jagan Mohan Reddy’s three-capital decision, Mr. Naidu said the move was not out of love for Visakhapatnam. “Mr. Jagan Mohan Reddy only loves lands and properties in the Port City,” he alleged.
“If the tribal people give Mr. Jagan Mohan Reddy another chance, the scenic hills in the region will face the fate of Rushikonda in Visakhapatnam,” Mr. Naidu said.
Exuding confidence that the TDP-JSP combine would storm to power in the State, Mr. Naidu said that the alliance government would create 20 lakh jobs for youth and provide ₹3,000 per month financial assistance under ‘Yuvagalam Nidhi’ to the unemployed youth till they landed jobs. He also promised to address the grievances of the Anganwadi workers and helpers.
Published - January 20, 2024 08:40 pm IST
