Vijayawada: TDP chief and chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday called upon women to prepare themselves to play a bigger role in politics and public life in the coming years.Addressing party leaders and cadres on the concluding day of Mahanadu, the party’s annual conclave, Naidu strongly backed TDP national working president Nara Lokesh’s proposal to provide 33 per cent reservation to women, stating the TDP is fully committed to women’s empowerment and would ensure greater political representation for women even if there was no national consensus on the issue.“The party will fight for women’s reservation across the country and, if necessary, implement 33 percent representation within the party and legislative bodies in Andhra Pradesh. I have absolutely no objection to Lokesh’s proposal. Women should start preparing themselves from now onwards for larger responsibilities in politics,” he said, adding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also strongly committed to women’s reservation and empowerment.Recalling that many had opposed his earlier decisions to provide reservation for women in jobs and educational institutions, arguing that it would reduce opportunities for men, Naidu said such reforms help in correcting historical imbalances besides ensuring major social transformation. “There was a time when parents considered daughters a burden because of dowry pressures. Today, women are excelling and supporting families financially and professionally,” he said, referring to social changes over the decades.He said the NDA govt has been rebuilding the state with speed, credibility, and a long-term development vision after restoring investor confidence. “The Mahanadu has become a record-breaking event, with 16.78 lakh participants joining through a hybrid format from 1,875 clusters and 12 countries. AP attracted investments worth Rs 23 lakh crore within 23 months, accounting for nearly 25 percent of foreign direct investments entering India. Global companies such as Google and ArcelorMittal are investing in the state due to the restoration of Brand AP,” he pointed out.Highlighting the ‘Swarna Andhra 2047’ vision, Naidu said the state is focusing on AI, quantum computing, drones, aerospace, green energy, and advanced manufacturing sectors while investing heavily in skill development for youth. “We are also prioritising irrigation, infrastructure, logistics, and clean energy projects to transform Andhra Pradesh into the country’s leading growth engine by 2047,” he added.Reiterating his commitment to welfare and women’s safety, Naidu said the NDA govt will continue to focus on dignity, economic empowerment, and equal opportunities for women in every sector. “The govt will launch 36 irrigation projects in the next two years to make all three regions of the state green. We will complete the Godavari-Cauvery link to make Rayalaseema drought-free,” he asserted.
