Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu recently announced a significant financial triumph for the state, revealing that the coalition government has successfully saved a remarkable ₹1,000 crore in the power sector. This impressive achievement was made possible through strategic power purchases at lower costs and an innovative energy swapping system implemented in collaboration with other states.
Further easing the financial strain on citizens, the government facilitated a ₹924 crore refund of ‘true-up’ charges, directly benefiting electricity consumers. Naidu highlighted these accomplishments, emphasizing the importance of communicating them to the public, especially alongside the substantial GST rate cuts designed to boost purchasing power and stimulate the economy. He shared these insights during a conference with TDP MPs, MLAs, and other party leaders on Sunday, September 28.
The Chief Minister contrasted the current government’s proactive approach with the previous YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) regime, which he accused of mismanaging the power sector through expensive procurements and unsound decisions. He asserted that since the TDP-Jana Sena Party (JSP)-BJP alliance came into power in the 2024 general elections, power has been acquired more efficiently and at significantly cheaper rates by purchasing in advance.
Naidu pointed out that the ‘true-down’ charges, recently approved by the AP Electricity Regulatory Commission on September 27, represent a stark improvement over the burdensome ‘true-up’ charges that severely impacted consumers from 2019 to 2024.
He urged elected representatives to actively engage in public awareness campaigns, showcasing the successful implementation of the “Super Six” electoral promises from 2024 and the recent GST reforms. These reforms, he noted, serve as a ‘festive bonanza,’ particularly for the economically disadvantaged and middle-class segments of society. While acknowledging a potential minor revenue loss for the state due to GST rationalization, Naidu expressed confidence that these measures would bolster people’s economic strength and elevate their living standards.
In addition to these financial reforms, Naidu celebrated the success of the Mega DSC recruitment drive and other key welfare initiatives such as Talli Ki Vandanam, Stree Sakthi, Annadata Sukhibhava, and Deepam 2.0. He also highlighted the significant progress in providing water supply to Kuppam via the Handri-Neeva canal and the rapid advancement in the construction of the Polavaram and other vital irrigation projects.
The Chief Minister called upon ruling party representatives to maintain close contact with the public and address their concerns. He also criticized the YSRCP for what he termed ‘fake propaganda’ against the government. He mentioned that YSRCP MLCs attempted to discredit the administration in the Legislative Council, while their MLAs continued to boycott the Assembly, a move he saw as a face-saving tactic following their considerable electoral defeat last year. Naidu concluded by encouraging leaders from TDP, BJP, and JSP to expose the YSRCP’s true intentions.