AP Coalition Govt Begins Implementation of Crucial Election Promises
If there is any dissatisfaction among the public about the coalition government in Andhra Pradesh, it is mainly due to the absence of the welfare schemes that were implemented during Jagan’s tenure. In this context, the recent launch of the highly significant “Thalliki Vandanam” scheme—promised before the elections—by the Andhra Pradesh coalition government can be considered a crucial development. During Jagan’s regime, the benefit was limited to one person per family. But now, the decision has been made to provide "Thalliki Vandanam" benefits to as many children as are present in the family. Politically, this has to be seen as a major success not only for the TDP but also for its alliance partners. The pension scheme already being implemented by the TDP government has received positive feedback from the public, especially from the beneficiaries. Adding to that, a decision has now been made to extend the Thalliki Vandanam scheme to 67 lakh people. Although there might be some delay in the money reaching the bank accounts, the government is assuring that it will definitely be credited.
Whether the unemployment allowance and the ₹1500 monthly support to women will be implemented or not is yet to be seen, but along with “Thalliki Vandanam,” the government is also preparing to launch a program soon that will provide ₹20,000 annually to farmers with central assistance. Free bus travel for women is also set to become available soon, with August 15 fixed as the launch date. In the past, Chandrababu did not have a great track record in implementing election promises. But this time, the government seems to be taking bold steps on key promises. Unlike during Jagan’s regime, issues like poor road conditions, liquor controversies, and delays in salaries to government employees are being addressed effectively. All these factors are proving to be politically challenging for the YSRCP, especially for Jagan. Both Jagan and YSRCP leaders believed that it would not be feasible to implement Thalliki Vandanam for every eligible child in a family.
Leaving aside the questions of whether loans were taken or how the funds were arranged, the government has successfully launched the scheme a year after coming to power. On the other hand, even after the massive defeat in the recent elections, there are criticisms from within the YSRCP itself that Jagan’s attitude has not changed much. There is ongoing discussion within the YSRCP that Jagan is politically cornering himself by creating unnecessary controversies over Amaravati, and by visiting individuals who are labeled as criminals. The ruling party is also trying to strongly communicate this message to the public. YSRCP leaders believe that the more promises Chandrababu fulfills, the more political damage it will cause to Jagan. According to them, if YSRCP truly wants to return to power in the next elections as Jagan claims, the current model will not work at all. But when asked if Jagan is willing to go in a different direction, even party members say that is unlikely to happen.
