Politics & Governance

Claiming credit for the implementation of super six promises made in the run-up to elections, chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu announced 15,000 cash incentive to auto drivers, which will be given on Dasara.The NDA alliance parties held a huge public meeting at Anantapur on Wednesday to celebrate the successful implementation of super six promises made in the run-up to elections.The meeting, held in the name of ‘Super Six – Super Hit’, witnessed a huge turnout. Naidu expressed gratitude, stating, “We are all indebted to women, youth, farmers, and workers of three parties in the coalition for reposing faith in the alliance.” He noted that people are as exuberant as they were before the elections, emphasizing that the meeting was not for politics, votes, or elections but to inform the public that the NDA govt has delivered super six promises.Naidu highlighted that welfare is not about vote politics or giving temporary relief but improving the living standards of the poor. He outlined how all the promises were implemented. Taking on the previous YSRCP govt, Naidu alleged that the previous govt burdened the state with a 10 lakh-crore debt. Despite severe financial constraints, the NDA govt successfully delivered its promises, he said.Naidu said that education is a top priority for the NDA govt, and to help mothers sending their children to school, 15,000 assistance has been provided for every child. “This is not just a scheme which is costing the govt 10,000 crore, but an initiative to shape the future of children.”Naidu said that under the Stree Shakti scheme, free bus services to women have been provided, and five crore people utilised the service so far, saving over 200 crore for women, he said. Free cylinders under Deepam-2 are also aimed at helping women, he said.Highlighting the increased financial assistance under Annadata Sukhibhava, Naidu said that farmers are being given Rs 20,000 financial assistance in three phases. Naidu assured farmers that abundant urea stocks are available in the state and there will be no shortage of supply.Flaying YSRCP for criticising medical colleges, Naidu said that mere allotment of land does not mean that they have built medical colleges. He said that with the PPP model, accountability and quality of services will be brought in. A health insurance scheme will be given to everyone with 2.5 lakh coverage, and the poor people will be given 25 lakh coverage under the Arogya Sree scheme, he said, adding that the soon-to-be-launched Sanjeevani programme will be a game changer in the healthcare sector.Naidu challenged the opposition to come to the assembly, stating that the govt is ready to discuss any issue there. He criticised former chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy for demanding opposition status without attending the assembly, stating that it is the people of the state who grant opposition status.Cautioning the MLAs to be modest with people, Naidu said, “We are not rulers but servants to people. We should not be arrogant with people.” Deputy chief minister and Jana Sena chief K Pawan Kalyan, BJP state president PVN Madhav, TDP state president Palla Srinivas Rao, ministers, MLAs, and leaders from three political parties attended the event.

The state government of Andhra Pradesh has taken a bold step toward transforming the region into a high-technology hub by identifying approximately 10,000 acres of land in the Lepakshi–Madakasira area of Anantapur District for the development of a large-scale aero and defence manufacturing city. The proposed site, located about an hour’s drive from Bengaluru’s airport, is strategically positioned to draw in major industry players. The plan reportedly includes the relocation or setting up of facilities for Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for manufacturing advanced combat aircraft such as the AMCA and LCA, as well as ancillary aerospace and electronics units. A key objective behind this project is to leverage the availability of large land tracts, favourable state-level investment incentives, and a skilled workforce in Rayalaseema, thereby positioning the district as a “next-gen manufacturing corridor” in the country. Local officials say the facility is expected to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, uplift local infrastructure, and drive economic development in towns such as Madakasira, Lepakshi, and surrounding mandals. However, the proposal has already stirred controversy and interstate tension. The neighbouring state of Karnataka has strongly objected to any relocation of HAL’s existing facilities out of Bengaluru, citing its dominant role in India’s aerospace and defence sector. Karnataka’s Minister for Industries remarked that shifting key operations would be “unacceptable” if it meant dismantling existing setups in Karnataka. Hindustan Times+1 For Anantapur district, the Aero & Defence City concept could mark a major shift from its traditional agrarian and textile economy toward aerospace, electronics, precision manufacturing, and defence supply chains. State officials emphasise that infrastructure such as access roads, power supply, and logistics connectivity will be fast-tracked. They also highlight that the proximity to Bengaluru and accessibility to national highways and railway lines gives Anantapur a competitive edge. Industrial analysts view the move as part of a broader ambition of the state’s leadership to attract ₹50,000 crore to ₹1 lakh crore of investments into high-technology sectors over the next five years. If realised, the city could become a stepping stone for Anantapur district to emerge from a regional economy into a national manufacturing hub. While early planning has begun, much depends on land acquisition, stakeholder alignment (including local farmers), environmental clearances, and the commitment of anchor investors. For now, the proposal remains a signal of great promise — one that could redefine the economic identity of Anantapur district in the coming years.