Naidu Challenges DMK, Congress Over Position on 33% Women’s Reservation Bill

VIJAYAWADA: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu intensified his political outreach in Tamil Nadu, launching a strong critique of the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam while campaigning for National Democratic Alliance candidates in regions including Coimbatore.

Addressing public gatherings, Naidu alleged that the DMK government has failed to translate central assistance into tangible development. He claimed that opportunities for growth have been underutilised, while governance has been overshadowed by corruption, weakening law enforcement, and increasing social concerns.

The Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister pointed to what he described as a deterioration in public safety, particularly highlighting rising crime rates. He alleged that offences against women and Scheduled Castes have seen a notable increase in recent years, raising serious concerns about law and order in the state.

Naidu also flagged issues related to liquor consumption, claiming that cases of deaths linked to spurious alcohol have risen. He accused the state administration of exploiting consumers by inflating prices, suggesting that additional charges are being imposed per bottle, thereby burdening citizens financially.

Turning to cultural and social issues, Naidu criticised the DMK for what he termed as divisive politics. He alleged that the ruling party has disrespected religious traditions and contributed to societal fragmentation, further deepening tensions among communities.

Promoting the concept of a ‘double engine government,’ Naidu argued that alignment between the Centre and the state would accelerate development. He urged voters to support NDA candidates, asserting that such a governance model ensures better coordination, faster infrastructure growth, and improved welfare delivery.

Campaigning in support of NDA candidate Nagesh Kumar in the Thalli constituency of Krishnagiri district, Naidu emphasised the importance of development-driven leadership. During the interaction, local leaders requested improved connectivity, including a proposed bus service linking Thalli with Tirupati. Responding positively, Naidu assured that necessary measures would be explored.

Reflecting on his visit, Naidu expressed appreciation for the warm reception he received across Tamil Nadu. He remarked that the cultural affinity between Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu makes him feel at home in the neighbouring state. He also praised Tamil Nadu’s rich heritage and acknowledged its contributions to industrial and social development.

Highlighting historical ties, Naidu recalled the legacy of N. T. Rama Rao, noting his early film career in Tamil Nadu and his role in facilitating the Telugu Ganga water project to supply drinking water to Chennai. Naidu stressed that such shared histories underline the need for cooperation between the two states.

The Chief Minister also commended Narendra Modi for his leadership at the national level, stating that India has gained global prominence through initiatives focused on development, governance, and welfare. He linked this progress to the broader vision of a developed India under the ‘Viksit Bharat’ framework.

A key highlight of his speech was the reference to the Women’s Reservation Bill. Naidu criticised both Indian National Congress and the DMK for their stance on the legislation, questioning their commitment to ensuring 33% reservation for women in legislative bodies. He framed the issue as central to inclusive governance and gender equity.

Naidu further outlined ambitious plans for water resource management, including interlinking rivers such as the Godavari and Kaveri, with a long-term vision of connecting the Ganga basin to southern river systems. He stressed that sustained leadership at the Centre would be crucial for implementing such large-scale infrastructure projects.

He also criticised the Tamil Nadu government’s reliance on liquor revenue, suggesting that increasing prices have become a means of boosting state income. Instead, he advocated for economic growth driven by investment, employment generation, and infrastructure expansion.

Invoking the legacy of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa, Naidu suggested that the state could benefit from adopting governance models focused on welfare and development. He argued that aligning with the NDA would help Tamil Nadu regain its past momentum and achieve faster progress.

Concluding his address, Naidu appealed to voters to support NDA candidates in the upcoming elections, reiterating that coordinated governance between the Centre and the state is essential for long-term growth and stability.