CM Chandrababu Naidu Calls On TDP Cadre To Gear Up For Local Body Elections

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) president N Chandrababu Naidu has asked party leaders and workers to prepare thoroughly for the upcoming local body elections, setting a target of achieving a better strike rate than in the 2024 Assembly elections.

Naidu held a meeting with ministers and zonal in-charges to review the party’s preparedness for the polls. Discussions focused on the selection of candidates, coordination among alliance partners and the strategy to be adopted at the grassroots level.

Describing the local body elections as an opportunity to assess the party’s current strength, Naidu stressed the need for close coordination with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) partners. He noted that the elections would be the first local polls the TDP would contest as part of the alliance and called for a united approach across the coalition.

The TDP chief said there should be no room for differences among alliance partners. Decisions should be taken after consultations with the coalition parties and in accordance with local political conditions. He also called for better coordination between experienced senior leaders and the younger generation within the party.

Naidu urged the cadre to take a positive campaign to the people and explain the development and welfare initiatives undertaken by the alliance government. He asked party workers to reach out to households from the village level upwards and strengthen the government's connect with voters.

Candidate selection, he said, should take into account social equations, public acceptance, organisational support and individual performance. He particularly stressed greater representation for youth and women in the local elections.

Naidu reiterated the government's commitment to providing 34 per cent reservation for Backward Classes (BCs) in local bodies and said the alliance would not compromise on the issue. He added that the government could consider reserving seats beyond the 34 per cent mark if necessary.

The TDP president also asked party leaders to highlight what he described as the injustice faced by BCs during the previous YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) government. He said the party should make effective use of the ‘Jaiho BC’ meetings to take its message to the people.

Naidu further alleged that the YSRCP was attempting to obstruct the local election process by approaching the courts over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise. He also accused the opposition party of engaging in misinformation and trying to prevent funds from reaching the state.

Meanwhile, Naidu announced that a ‘Leadership Training Conclave’ would be held at the TDP office on September 7 and 8.

The dates for the local body elections have not yet been announced.