In a scathing attack on former Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, the ruling YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) has accused him of failing to deliver on several key welfare promises, amounting to a staggering ₹1,42,897.12 crores in unfulfilled commitments. The allegations include fraudulent mismanagement of funds under various schemes aimed at providing financial assistance to the unemployed, farmers, and marginalized communities.
The YSRCP government has particularly highlighted the unfulfilled promise of providing ₹14,400 crores in unemployment benefits to over 20 lakh jobless individuals. Despite Naidu’s assurance of a monthly stipend, the party claims that no such payments have been made in the last two years, resulting in a massive backlog of unpaid dues.
Furthermore, the party pointed out that Naidu’s government promised pensions worth ₹19,200 crores to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Backward Classes, and minorities aged over 50, yet no funds have been disbursed, leaving thousands without financial support. The YSRCP also accused Naidu of misleading the public by claiming successful implementation of various welfare schemes while failing to allocate necessary funds in the state budget.
The ‘Super Six’ initiative, which was touted as a significant promise during Naidu’s campaign, has also come under scrutiny. Reports suggest that to fulfill the commitments of this scheme, ₹79,867 crores would be required annually; however, the current budget allocates a mere ₹17,179 crores. This stark discrepancy has raised eyebrows among financial analysts and the public alike, who question the integrity and transparency of Naidu’s administration.
In addition to these financial discrepancies, the YSRCP has accused Naidu of historical blunders in infrastructure projects, particularly the Polavaram irrigation project. Experts have pointed to incomplete works and mismanagement that have led to significant damages, further complicating the state’s water management issues.
The situation is exacerbated by Naidu’s alleged financial mismanagement, which has reportedly led to an unprecedented debt of ₹3,27,725 crores within just 20 months of his administration. Economists have voiced concerns over the impact of such a high debt burden on the state’s economy and public welfare programs.
On the other hand, the YSRCP recalls its own achievements during its tenure, including the direct transfer of ₹2.73 lakh crores to the accounts of the poor amidst challenging economic circumstances, including the COVID-19 pandemic. This stark contrast in governance styles has become a focal point in the political discourse leading up to the upcoming elections.
In light of these developments, the YSRCP has implored the electorate to critically evaluate the promises made by Naidu during his tenure and to hold him accountable for the unmet commitments that have left many vulnerable communities in dire situations. As the political landscape continues to evolve, the ramifications of these allegations could play a significant role in shaping voter sentiment in the forthcoming elections.
