Inaugurating the TDP's Mahanadu in Visakhapatnam’s Andhra University grounds on Saturday, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister went into election mode asking party workers to help the party retain power in 2019.
The Telugu Desam Party supremo N Chandrababu Naidu, in his speech urged party workers to promote the good work the government has done.
Addressing the audience of thousands who had gathered for the Mahanadu, Naidu said that he desired for 80% votes in the next assembly elections and asked party worker to help turn this goal into reality.
In the 2014 Legislative Assembly elections, TDP had secured 32.13% of the total votes polled while it's ally BJP got 4.13%.
Though there have been rumours about a rift between TDP and BJP, Naidu has never criticised the saffron party openly. In fact, he has not even been critical of the BJP's stand on giving special status to AP.
Naidu' s statement that he wants to secure 80% of votes in 2019 sounded more like a war cry to enthuse his supporters.
Naidu directed party workers to initiate implementation of various programmes and schemes of the state government.
“If you work hard and win the hearts of the people in your areas, there is no need for them to go to other parties. We have delivered more than what we promised in the polls. This should be our gain,” he was quoted in Times of India.
According to The Hans India, he asked party members to visit every house in the villages to solve people’s problems.
“People would vote for TDP if the party activists took the initiative and solved their problems.” he reportedly said.
Naidu said leaders who serve the people will be recognised and rewarded by the party.
Speaking about the government’s achievements, he claimed that he will tolerate no corruption.Naidu added that the reservation will be given to Kapus, without any injustice to the Backward Classes.
“I have given an assurance that the Kapus will be provided reservation and once the Manjunatha Commission gives its report, a decision acceptable to all will be taken,” he reportedly said.
Naidu has also asked party leaders to be careful with their statements and sensational comments about alliance with BJP.
“Leave this to the top party leadership. Stop criticizing others as a sharp reaction to their remarks. The Union government is helping the state by providing a special package instead of special status. It will have all the ingredients of special status,” he added.