Mandapeta: Addressing the Ra Kadalira Sabha in Mandapeta, Konaseema district, TDP Chief Chandrababu Naidu emphasized his party’s commitment to Dalits, contrasting it with the current Chief Minister’s claims. He stated that during the era of untouchability and the two-glass system, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) took significant steps for Dalit welfare. He highlighted the establishment of the Justice Punnaiah Commission in united Andhra Pradesh to address Dalit issues, leading to the implementation of 12 Government Orders (GOs) for their upliftment.
Chandrababu underscored the TDP’s historical contributions to Dalit representation, noting instances such as the nomination of GMC Balayogi as the Speaker of the Lok Sabha and the appointment of Kaki Madhava Rao, a Dalit, as the Chief Secretary. He also pointed out the party’s role in nominating KR Narayanan as the President and fostering Dalit entrepreneurship. In contrast, Chandrababu accused the current Chief Minister of being anti-Dalit, citing the cancellation of 27 schemes introduced by the TDP for Dalit welfare.
He criticized the dismantling of the sub-plan and the diversion of Rs 28,000 crore earmarked for Dalit development. Naidu accused the Chief Minister of arrogance, alleging that he renamed a foreign education scheme after himself, characterizing Jagan Mohan Reddy as a “Dalit traitor” for his perceived neglect of Dalit welfare.