Krishnagiri (Tamil Nadu), Apr 20 (TNT): Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Monday sharpened the NDA’s political pitch in Tamil Nadu, advocating a “double engine government” while targeting the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the Congress, and appealing voters to back NDA candidate Nagesh Kumar in Thalli constituency.
Addressing an election rally in Krishnagiri district, Naidu said alignment between the State and the Centre under the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) would ensure faster development and welfare delivery.
He framed the contest as a choice between “double development” under the NDA and what he described as “regression” under the current regime.
Taking aim at the DMK government, Naidu alleged deterioration in law and order, rising debt, and increasing social concerns, including crimes against women and drug-related issues.
He also criticised the State government’s policies on liquor pricing, alleging revenue-driven decisions at the cost of public welfare.
The Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister strongly backed Prime Minister Narendra Modi, crediting him with providing decisive leadership and elevating India’s global stature.
He accused the Congress and DMK of blocking the Women’s Reservation Bill, questioning their opposition to 33 per cent reservation for women despite assurances from the Centre.
Naidu asserted that Tamil Nadu needed to “regain its past glory” through a double engine government and said development momentum would accelerate only if the NDA comes to power in the State.
Blending political messaging with regional sentiment, Naidu highlighted the shared cultural and historical ties between Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
He recalled the contributions of N. T. Rama Rao and M. G. Ramachandran in strengthening inter-state cooperation, particularly through the Telugu Ganga project supplying water to Chennai.
Positioning himself as a leader from the border region of Chittoor, he called for both states to work “like brothers” for mutual development, while also pitching long-term initiatives such as river interlinking between the Godavari and Cauvery.
Responding to local demands, Naidu assured that steps would be taken to introduce a bus service connecting Thalli with Tirupati, a move aimed at improving connectivity for pilgrims.
He also participated in a roadshow in Chennai’s Anna Nagar, drawing participation from NDA workers, including leaders from allied parties.
With the NDA intensifying its campaign and directly targeting the DMK-Congress combine, the political contest in Tamil Nadu is increasingly taking a bipolar shape.
Naidu’s intervention underscores the NDA’s attempt to expand its footprint in the State by combining development messaging with regional and cultural outreach.
TNT TS
Leave a Reply