TDP leader and Andhra Pradesh Education Minister Nara Lokesh has come out strongly against YSRCP leaders, issuing a stern warning over recent allegations made against him. He demanded that the opposition leaders immediately withdraw their statements and offer a public apology, or be prepared to face legal consequences.
Expressing visible frustration, Lokesh said, “If they don’t retract their false claims and apologize, I will proceed legally. I won’t tolerate baseless accusations — there will be serious consequences.”
The tension escalated following the launch of the Thalliki Vandhanam scheme — one of the key promises under the TDP’s “Super 6” agenda. The initiative aims to provide ₹15,000 annually to mothers of school-going children, directly into their bank accounts, to support their children’s education.
However, the scheme drew comparisons to the previous government’s Amma Vodi program, which provided ₹13,000 to beneficiaries and allocated an additional ₹2,000 for school infrastructure and maintenance.
The new TDP-led government followed a similar financial model — ₹13,000 to mothers and ₹2,000 directed to district collectors for school maintenance. But YSRCP leaders took a sharp dig, alleging that the ₹2,000 meant for schools was instead being misappropriated and funneled into Lokesh’s personal account.
Strongly refuting these claims, Lokesh challenged them to present evidence. He emphasized the transparency of the Thalliki Vandhanam scheme and highlighted his efforts in bringing reforms, ensuring corruption-free teacher transfers, and improving mid-day meals with quality rice.
All eyes are now on the YSRCP leaders to see how they will respond to this ultimatum.