Is it not deception to go back on your word?

Pentapadu, West Godavari district: After paying my respects to the mortal remains of one of our senior leaders, well-wishers and a multi-faceted genius, Duvvuri Somayajulu, I returned to resume my Padayatra. The heaviness of the fact that we will miss his wisdom and sage counsel remained with me as I set out this morning.

Venkatravamma, who hailed from a very impoverished background, came to me with her son who suffered from acute kidney failure. The poor woman is ready to donate one of her kidneys. Unfortunately, the hospitals in the state lack adequate facilities and Arogyasri is not extended to Hyderabad. Private hospitals say that the meagre assistance provided by the government would not cover the cost of surgery and other related expenses. On the one hand, she doesn't have access to resources to pay for the surgery amounting to lakhs of rupees. At the same time, it breaks her heart to see her son sink with every passing day. This is the state of affairs under Chandrababu Naidu when it comes to healthcare of the poorest sections of society.

Healthcare professionals, who constitute the backbone of our medical system met me this morning. The government doctors lament that though they are ready to offer their services, state-run hospitals are denied facilities and proper equipment. On the other hand, doctors of corporate and private hospitals say that the state government does not settle long-pending bills for years on end. "In such a situation, how do we serve the public?", is their genuine question.

They are denied benefits of government welfare schemes saying that they are government employees, but do not get pensions, health cards or other benefits. The contract employees of the Health and Medical Services department complained that they are being discriminated against in this fashion.

Dentists who met me told me how they ended up paying lakhs of rupees to complete their course, after fee reimbursement had been curtailed. They found themselves trapped in a very difficult situation lacking the means to start a private practice with the government not coming out with a notification on their appointments and unable to work on meagre salaries offered by private set-ups.

The state of pioneering services such as 108 and 104 is pathetic. They are not paid for months on end and their pay structure has remained frozen for years. Worse, there are fewer vehicles today and those in a dilipidated state. The employees face disciplinary action if they raise questions or even termination. This is the sorry state of affairs under TDP today, and it only strengthened my resolve to set things back on track.

Tadepalligudem has been a hub of activities, with all-round development long before Independence. It has always enjoyed good facilities including roads, a rail network and water transport. There are thousands of daily wage labourers from various sectors who are not in any organised category and who spend their lives working in godowns, warehouses and market yards. These coolies or helpers said that on days they found work, they were paid and on other days they were forced to starve. They did back-breaking work lifting heavy sacks and all kinds of load. This led to spinal and other problems at a very young age, they lamented. They developed breathing problems in their forties, they said, as they shared their sorrowful tales. I felt deeply disturbed at the insecure life they led.

I have a question for the chief minister—Your manifesto makes a slew of promises, as many as 15, to workers in the unorganised sector on page 31, including health insurance, social security and interest-free loans. Is it not deception to go back on your word? Is it not a grave sin to let down these poor daily-wage labourers who depend on their physical work for their living on a day-to-day basis?

I humbly bow down to you for your undying support

Tadepalligudem: The YSR Congress party chief and AP Leader of Opposition YS Jagan Mohan Reddy concluded day 167 of his padayatra in Tadepalligudem this evening. Before calling it a day, YS Jagan addressed a huge public meeting. Flanked by his supporters at the Tadepalligudem market place and amid slogan of 'Jai Jagan', the people's leader addressed a massive gathering who had been cheering him all along. Asking them not to get carried away by the fake promises of the TDP, YS Jagan said that people should follow their conscience when voting to ensure better days are back in Andhra Pradesh. Here are highlights from YS Jagan Mohan Reddy's public address at Tadepalligudem on Day 167 Of Praja Sankalpa Yatra.

Chandrababu Naidu will promise a kg gold and a Benz car in exchange for a vote. Would you believe him? He would also send Rs 3000 through his cronies. My advice to you is to say 'No' to that and demand 5000 as that money belongs to us. The money looted from us. Take money from him but when you vote, follow your heart. Only then can set right the present political system. My request to you is to vote for a party that will ensure better lifestyle.

God willing, if the people's party comes to power, we will ensure that your needs are taken care of. During the course of my padayatra, I come across scores of patients everyday ruing about deprivation of Arogyasri benefits. Can you believe it? My father late Dr YS Rajasekhara Reddy's flagship scheme Arogya Sri has been watered down so much that people have been denied medical treatment because of that? Under the present TDP regime, the healthcare scheme which was meant to take care of the medical needs of the citizens of the state has been diluted. The entire purpose of this scheme is defeated.

My father often said that people are often driven to debts due to two reasons—One, to get their kids educated and two, to get their wards treated for various diseases.

During my father's regime, an ambulance would arrive at a poor man's house in flat 20 minutes and after being taken to the hospital, Arogyasri would ensure free treatment and safe return of patients to their homes.

But right now the Ambulance service too lies in utter neglect. One, you can't be sure the vehicle reached you on time. Two, most of the vehicles are in a state of repair that it could break down midway any time! And to make matters worse, the ambulance staff have not been paid their salaries for months.

Under the present Arogyasri scheme, you can't get yourself treated at hospitals outside the state which was not the case during my father's regime. If a deadly disease strikes a poor man's family, he may have to go to Hyderabad for treatment. But you go there only to be told by the doctors that you are not eligible for treatment as you belong to a different state and Arogyasri doesn't apply there! If you have to get dialysis done on a daily basis, it may not be possible as all the rules of Arogyasri have been bent because of which the poor are being denied its benefits.

Like my father worked for the welfare of the poor, I promise to ensure Arogyasri is restored to its former glory. You can get yourself treated for any diseases in any region—Be it Hyderabad or Bangalore. I also assure you that if you are advised bed rest by the doctor post surgery, then my government will see to it that your economic needs are taken of during that period to prevent a situation where a sick person is forced to work in an ailing state.

I just told you about one of the Navarathnalu in my party manifesto prepared keeping in mind the inconsistencies of the present government. I invite you to offer suggestions to bring back golden days and keep the present corrupt political system in check. I seek your blessings and support to stand by me as you would your own son. I humbly bow down to you for your undying support

Chandrababu Conspires To Diminish Sanctity Of Temples

Controversies surrounding the Hindu religious temples mainly the world famous Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam in the appointments in the trust boards and other anti religious decisions taken by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu left the holy places in disarray.

The fresh controversy on the removal of TTD Chief Priest Ramana Dikshitulu and the latter's allegations against Chandrababu government in the maintenance of TTD gave ample indication that the government conspired to look the treasure trove of the rich temples in Andhra Pradesh. 

It seems Chandrababu targeted to remove famous temples in the garb of development.  The demolition of several temples in Vijayawada received strong criticism from many sections. The conduct of tantric rituals in Durga temple in Vijayawada and Srikalahasti has proved  Chandrababu  put the sanctity of famous temples at the stake. 

Devotees also strongly objected overindulgence of the government in the affairs of the functioning of temples. They also questioned for targeting temples only. Allowing other religions to propagate their faith at the temples and the appointment of board members with non Hindu leaders also drew strong criticism from all quarters

YS Jagan gets grand welcome

Leader of Opposition in Andhra Pradesh assembly and YSR Congress Party President YS Jagan Mohan Reddy kick-started his mass outreach programme Praja Sankalpa Yatra from Tadepalligudem Market this morning and is progressing smoothly. The YSRCP Chief's padayatra reached Pentapadu. 

YS Jagan received a grand welcome from the party activists and locals. The contract workers have met the YSRCP chief and explained their problems to him. YS Jagan assured them that good days will come in an year.

Day 168 of YS Jagan's padayatra begins

The 168th day of Praja Sankalpa Yatra of YSR Congress party president and leader of the Opposition in AP Assembly, YS Jagan Mohan Reddy began from Tadepalligudem market in West Godavari district on Monday morning.

The padayatra will proceed towards Bodapadu Cross and Mudunuru Cross, where YS Jagan will break for lunch. After lunch, at 2.45 pm the walkathon will continue and enter to Unguturu constituency. He will then proceed to Kasipadu Cross, Chilakampadu and Veereshwarapuram Cross. The padayatra will halt for the day at Pippara.

Chandrababu Throws Promises Made To West Godavari To The Winds

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu is synonymous to defrauding people in his entire political career spanning more than 40 Years.  

The promises made to West Godavari district during his election campaign remain on papers. He visited the district four times and made 21 promises to the district people. In the last four years,  the district has received a raw deal.  

The promises includes - Development of dwaraka Tirumala on par with Tirumala,  construction of 500 bedded hospital, DWACRA training centre, shopping mall complex,  Engineering College, promoting the temple town as a medical hub and minimum support price to Tobacco and oil palm farmers.  The TDP Chief also made the promise of creation of smart city in Chata Parru area. 

People also brought to the notice of YSR Congress Party President YS Jagan Mohan Reddy the injustice meted out to West Godavari district.  

After assuming CM post, Chandrababu also visited the district several times but not a single promise was fulfilled.  He also failed to protect the interests of Dalits who were expelled from Garagaparru village by the forward castes. The promises made to the SC community were also not fulfilled.  Installation of Ambedkar statue, Rs one lakh compensation to the victims, housing, establishment of English medium school and drinking water facility were thrown to the winds. 

During the elections,  Chandrababu lured Kapus and other communities with tall promises.  After coming to power all the sections were completely neglected. 

People vying to meet YS Jagan in West Godavari

Unmindful of the scorching heat, people are coming out of their houses and made a beeline to have a glimpse of YSR Congress Party President YS Jagan Mohan Reddy who is on padayatra in West Godavari district. 

All sections of people  poured out their woes before YS Jagan during his yatra in Tadepallygudem. People belonging to Dalit community told the YSR Congress Chief the benefits they availed including housing during YSR regime. 

They brought to the notice of YS Jagan the chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu's failure in addressing their demands and fulfilling the promises made to them in 2014 elections.  They said government did not release any funds to the SCs under self  employment scheme . They also told YS Jagan the TDP leaders obstructed them from attending the Praja Sankalpa yatra.