The YSR Congress Party government, in a bid to consolidate its vote bank among Backward Classes, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and minorities, kicked off first ever bus yatra of Ministers in Srikakulam on Thursday.
SEventeen of the 25 Ministers belonging to the backward communities set out to highlight the achievements and welfare schemes of YSRCP government through the “Samajika Nyaya Bheri Bus yatra”.
Although the general elections are scheduled for 2024, the tour looked like an election campaign. The bus yatra, which began in Srikakulam on Thursday morning, reached Vizianagaram via Ranasthalam, Pydibhimavaram, Pusapati Rega and other places.
After garlanding statue of Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, the Ministers kicked off the yatra. The Ministers would travel for four days in the bus to highlight the achievements of YSRCP flagship programmes.
A large number of YSRCP leaders and activists welcomed the Ministers, including Dharmana Prasada Rao, Botcha Satyanarayana, Sidiri Appala Raju, Meruga Nagarjuna, Taneti Vanitha and others. In spite of inclement weather, the Ministers continued their tour in Vizianagaram.
Addressed a public gathering at Seven Road junction, Minister for Revenue, Stamps and Registration Dharmana Prasada Rao said that Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy’s flagship programmes and his policies for uplifting families of Backward Classes, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and minorities needed to be implemented throughout the nation.
Mr. Prasada Rao said that many communities fought for their rights even during the British regime, but those sections could not get justice even after achieving Independence. “For the first time, social and economic justice was achieved in Andhra Pradesh with the allocation of 74% political posts for BCs, SCs, STs and minorities. Over ₹1.5 lakh crore has been transferred directly into their accounts. All the State governments and the Centre should emulate ideas and schemes of Andhra Pradesh,” he said.
“Lakhs of families of downtrodden sections are leading respectable life due to the government schemes. That is why the Telugu Desam Party is unable to digest the achievements and the image of the government,” he added.
Minister for Education Botcha Satyanarayana said that the Jagan administration was following Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s ideals in letter and spirit. Minister for Fisheries Sidiri Appala Raju said that the entire country was looking at Andhra Pradesh as it ensured corruption-free government and effective administration.
Minister for Social Welfare Meruga Nagarjuna said that Scheduled Caste communities were leading a happy life with the implementation of many welfare schemes.
Several public representatives, including MLAs, MLCs, Mayors Municipal chairpersons and others accompanied the Ministers in the Bus Yatra. Two specially designed buses were allocated for the Ministers and others followed in other vehicles.
