Don't take local polls lightly: Naidu to cadre

Amaravati: Chief Minister and Telugu Desam Party president Nara Chandrababu Naidu has directed party leaders and cadre to work with a sharp focus on winning the upcoming local body elections and cautioned them against taking the polls lightly. Addressing a leadership conclave at the TDP central office at NTR Bhavan here on Monday, Chandrababu stressed the need for unity and coordination among the NDA alliance partners. He said the party must convert the positive sentiment towards the coalition government into electoral success and work towards achieving in the 2029 polls results better than what was registered in the 2024 elections. The Chief Minister asked MLAs to identify 25 priority issues in each constituency and work towards resolving them with specific targets. He said legislators should focus on attracting investments, generating employment, and completing developmental works according to priority. He offered to provide Rs 1 crore for each constituency to address urgent local issues. Chandrababu asked party leaders to identify capable women leaders and provide them opportunities under the women's reservation. He said the best practices adopted by MLAs would be showcased at the next meeting. Emphasising the importance of leadership, Chandrababu said holding a position alone does not make a person a leader. True leadership, he said, lies in resolving people's problems with determination. He urged MLAs and party leaders to remain constantly connected with the public and party cadre. The Chief Minister said an emotional bond with people and party workers was more important than money in elections. Referring to electoral success, Naidu said leaders who win repeatedly, even during adverse political conditions, should be studied and their methods understood. The TDP president cautioned leaders against arrogance after winning elections, saying the public constantly observes the conduct and behaviour of its representatives. Chandrababu stressed that leaders must follow the 'coalition dharma' and avoid disputes among NDA partners over issues such as banners and posters. A major focus of the conclave was strengthening the party's organisational and leadership structure, particularly among MPs, first-time MLAs, MLCs and emerging leaders. The two-day programme includes sessions on the TDP's ideology, organisational development, leadership, welfare, political and economic empowerment and the Swarnandhra Vision. Chandrababu asked party leaders to remain active on social media and effectively counter what he described as 'malicious propaganda' by the YSR Congress Party. He said leaders should promptly communicate facts to the public and counter misinformation, instead of ignoring it. The TDP has already provided leadership training to more than 8,500 leaders and party workers, with the conclave forming part of the party's broader effort to prepare its leadership and organisation for future political battles, particularly the local body elections.