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Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has called June 4, 2024, a “historic day” that marked the end of authoritarian rule and the restoration of democracy in the state. The day marks the first anniversary of the Telugu Desam Party-led NDA alliance’s electoral victory in Andhra Pradesh.
In a message posted on X, Naidu described it as “the day when dictators were swept away by the people's revolution,” and a turning point when “the psycho regime came to an end and every citizen enjoyed freedom and peace.”
Reflecting on the sweeping electoral mandate that brought the TDP- BJP-Jana Sena coalition to power, Naidu credited the result to the people’s collective struggle against what he called “state terrorism.” He said the day symbolised a return to welfare, development, and governance, and was made possible by the efforts of “yellow soldiers,” “Jana Sainiks,” and BJP supporters.
“To fulfil the hopes and aspirations of the people and to live up to the trust they placed in us, we have strengthened the governance, provided welfare and put the development back on rails,” Naidu wrote. He added that the government would continue to treat the power given to them as a responsibility and promised more development and welfare measures in the coming years.
In stark contrast, the Opposition YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) observed June 4 as “Betrayal Day.” The party held protests across Andhra Pradesh in cities including Tirupati, Vijayawada, and Anantapur, accusing the Naidu government of reneging on its promises. Protesters carried placards and black flags and accused the Chief Minister of backtracking on his “super six” election assurances, which included 20 lakh jobs or unemployment benefits, and monthly financial support to women aged 19 to 59. “Babu (Naidu) definitely cheated and today is betrayal day,” read a placard at one of the demonstrations.
YSRCP leaders alleged that the NDA alliance had failed to deliver on its promises, and accused the government of betraying public trust. In response, TDP general secretary and Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh reiterated that the 2024 election was a victory for the people over “anarchic and factional rule.”
Describing it as a win for all five crore people of the state, Lokesh said, “With Naidu’s experience in governance and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s blessings, the reconstruction of Andhra Pradesh has begun.” He added that the people’s government was giving top priority to welfare and development, and thanked citizens for their support, urging them to continue backing the NDA administration.