Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan Urges Alliance Workers to Ensure Victory in Local Elections

Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan has called on alliance leaders and workers to unite for the upcoming local body elections, stressing that grassroots workers who stood by the coalition must receive due recognition and representation.

Addressing a gathering after launching the ‘Adivi Thalli Bata 2.0’ initiative at Kakavada in Rampachodavaram constituency, Polavaram district, on Sunday, he urged leaders of all alliance partners to work in coordination and focus on village development.

Recalling the sacrifices made by Jana Sena activists and Veera Mahilas, Pawan said they had supported the alliance since 2014 without prioritising personal positions. He also recalled their solidarity during the arrest of TDP chief N. Chandrababu Naidu. Those who had worked for the party and coalition, setting aside personal interests, deserved respect and appropriate opportunities, he said.

Pawan said Adivi Thalli Bata was designed to improve road connectivity and access to education, healthcare, employment, transport and markets in tribal habitations. Under the first phase, road works covering 1,662 km across 858 tribal habitations were taken up at a cost of Rs. 1,406 crore.

The second phase provides for 2,569 works worth Rs. 2,052 crore, including 1,976 km of roads and 45 bridges benefiting another 1,341 habitations.

He said horticulture development across 85,000 acres had benefited around 83,000 farmers. Tourism initiatives in Araku and Maredumilli were also creating livelihood opportunities. Forest Department clearances had been secured for 555 road works, 136 mobile towers and optical fibre connectivity in 48 locations.

Under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana 2.0, agricultural equipment worth the programme's allocation of Rs. 68 crore is to be distributed among farmers covered by 59 watershed projects. Subsidies will cover 90% of costs for SC/ST farmers and 80% for others.

Criticising the previous YSRCP government for neglecting rural roads and tribal development between 2019 and 2024, Pawan said the present government was allocating funds irrespective of political affiliations, including to panchayats supported by the opposition.

He urged residents to monitor road quality and directed officials to address concerns involving schools and Anganwadi centres raised by villagers. Protecting tribal rights, culture and traditions while ensuring development reaches every habitation remains the coalition government's priority, he said.