CM Chandrababu, Pawan Kalyan Pitch NDA Unity and Development Ahead of Andhra Local Polls

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has accused the Congress and the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) of adopting inconsistent positions on electoral transparency, questioning their criticism of electronic voting machines (EVMs) and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. He argued that political parties should not question electoral procedures selectively after losing elections and urged voters to support the ruling NDA coalition in the upcoming local body polls.

Addressing a joint press conference on Tuesday alongside Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan and BJP Andhra Pradesh president PVN Madhav, Chandrababu questioned why Congress criticised EVMs despite their introduction during Congress rule. He said opposition parties should raise concerns during the electoral process rather than challenge results afterwards. He also accused YSRCP president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy of changing his position on SIR for political convenience.

Chandrababu said booth-level agents (BLAs) from political parties were allowed to participate in the voter-list revision, with booth-level officers (BLOs) coordinating the exercise. Recalling earlier instances of booth rigging in rural areas, he said CCTV cameras had improved polling-station monitoring. Meanwhile, Congress and INDIA bloc parties have announced protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, including a programme on October 30 and a rally at Ramlila Maidan in New Delhi on November 1, demanding his removal or resignation.

Turning to local body elections, Chandrababu defended the coalition's record under the slogan “Cheppam, Chestunnam, Chestam” (We promised, we are delivering, and we will continue to deliver). He cited the Super Six welfare promises and Mega DSC recruitment drive, stressing that political stability and direct elections in urban local bodies were essential for development. He described the NDA's principles as welfare, development, good governance and public service, while accusing the YSRCP of criminalisation, litigation, destruction and misinformation.

Pawan Kalyan emphasised NDA unity, saying the TDP, Jana Sena and BJP had reached a consensus on seat-sharing despite competing demands from aspirants. He praised Chandrababu's role in resolving differences and urged disappointed leaders to support official candidates. Pawan also highlighted action against ganja-related activities, rural infrastructure projects, drinking-water schemes and efforts to clear government employees' pending dues.

Citing figures, Pawan said the government had cleared ₹30,000 crore in pending payments and attracted ₹22 lakh crore in investments. He referred to ₹30,000 crore in Jal Jeevan Mission works intended to provide drinking water to around 3.20 crore rural residents, alongside Palle Panduga 1.0 and 2.0 and the Adivasi Thalli Bata road initiative.

Both leaders appealed for a “triple-engine government” with NDA administrations at the Centre, State and local levels. Chandrababu also highlighted opportunities for young and educated candidates, while Pawan called for cooperation among alliance workers to accelerate development across Andhra Pradesh.