Lokesh invokes Gandhian ideals, promises welfare and growth in Andhra Pradesh
Paying tribute to the sacrifices of Telugu freedom fighters such as Andhra Kesari Prakasam Pantulu, Alluri Sitharama Raju and Pingali Venkayya, he said their legacy must guide the State's governance and development. 'Guntur's role in the freedom struggle is unforgettable,' he noted, announcing plans for a museum in Mangalagiri to commemorate local contributions to India's freedom movement.
Mr. Lokesh sharply criticised the previous government, alleging that between 2019 and 2024 Andhra Pradesh had been pushed '30 years backward' due to mounting debt and stalled development. He credited the NDA's 'double engine' government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, for initiating revival measures. These, he said, include Central funding for Amaravati and Polavaram, protection of the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, and the establishment of a railway zone in Visakhapatnam.
Highlighting welfare initiatives, the Minister praised the State's 'Super Six' schemes, which have increased pensions, provided support to farmers, supplied free LPG cylinders, and introduced free RTC bus travel for women.
He also outlined ambitious employment plans, citing major investments from corporations such as ArcelorMittal, TCS and LG Electronics.
On the education front, Mr. Lokesh claimed 'revolutionary reforms' over the past year, including the expansion of model primary schools, an overhaul of the curriculum from KG to PG, removal of political symbols from educational materials, and the restoration of schemes such as free textbooks and midday meals for Intermediate students.
The programme saw the participation of all local MLAs, District Collector S. Nagalakshmi, SP S. Satish Kumar and other dignitaries.
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