TDP announces 33% reservation for women in Legislatures
Visakhapatnam: Telugu Desam Party National President and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu made a series of landmark announcements on women empowerment during the concluding session of Mahanadu 2026, dedicating this year's conclave entirely to women and terming it 'Mahila Mahanadu'.
The two-day event, held in hybrid mode, drew record participation. According to the Chief Minister, 16.75 lakh people attended virtually over both days, while Thursday alone saw a record 17.50 lakh participants. Party leaders said delegates from 18 countries joined the conclave online. 'Virtual Mahanadu has emerged as a trendsetter,' Naidu said while addressing the closing session.
Now, TDP will give them political freedom as well. He announced that the party will earmark 33 percent of seats in legislative bodies for women.
Naidu added that TDP will extend full support to the Women's Reservation Bill proposed by the Centre. 'Even if other parties do not agree at the national level, we will implement this reservation within our party,' he declared.
Urging women to enter politics, Naidu said, 'If you come forward, I am ready to lead you. You must be prepared.' He noted changing social attitudes, saying dowry was once a burden but 'today we have reached a stage where there is 'reverse dowry' for the girl child.'
Issuing a stern warning, he said the government would crack down on those who trouble women: 'If anyone troubles our daughters, that will be their last day.'
Naidu said Andhra Pradesh had secured investments worth several lakh crore rupees in the last 23 months, with companies including Google and ArcelorMittal setting up in the state. The government, he said, was on track to meet its commitment to create 20 lakh jobs.
Highlighting ease of doing business, he cited the clearance of a fighter jet manufacturing unit in 36 days. 'Bringing a fighter jet manufacturing unit in 36 days shows our speed,' he said.
The government has prepared Vision 2047 to transform Andhra Pradesh into 'Swarna Andhra', with priority to education, healthcare, and employment. To address economic inequality, the state has introduced the P4 policy, he added.
On agriculture, Naidu said reservoirs currently hold 65% water, but the state is preparing for a possible 15% rainfall deficit this season.
Praising party workers, Mr. Naidu said, 'Leaders come and go. Some jump around. But it is the cadre that carries the party. The worker is the real leader, and Mahanadu proved that.' He said the party had spent Rs 150 crore on insurance for workers.
In a sharp attack on opposition parties, he accused them of running 'a seven-wing structure' including 'ganja batch, blade batch, Paytm batch, murder politics, a wing to attack Hindu dharma, and a spurious liquor mafia.' He cautioned people to be wary and warned that anyone attempting to defame temples would not be spared.
Concluding, Naidu said welfare schemes were reaching every household under 'people's rule' instead of 'curtain-rule'. The government has launched the 'Swayam AP' brand, which he said could become a global brand if implemented effectively.
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