CM Chandrababu Urges Women to Reject Cash-for-Votes

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu urged voters to reject cash-for-votes and exercise their franchise with self-respect. Speaking at an event marking one year of the Stree Shakti scheme providing free travel to women on APSRTC buses, he said political leaders do not distribute money from their own homes and alleged that the money offered during elections is recovered through corruption and other means. He called for public awareness against inducements and stressed the importance of maintaining peace and security for attracting investments. He also urged families to protect members from addiction and warned that objectionable social media posts and provocative activities would not be tolerated.

Naidu said strong determination can help anyone achieve success, citing leaders such as B.R. Ambedkar, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, N.T. Rama Rao, President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi as examples. He said the Stree Shakti scheme has enabled women to step beyond household boundaries and gain greater exposure to the outside world. He encouraged people to use their time productively and contribute to the development of their families, villages and the state. Highlighting government welfare programmes, he said every family is receiving multiple benefits and that the government aims to eliminate economic inequalities and improve living standards by 2047. He also praised Dwakra women’s groups for their strong repayment record, noting that they have helped lakhs of families and promoted women’s economic independence. The government, he said, is focusing on creating entrepreneurs in every family and promoting a “One District, One Product” approach to take local products to national and international markets.