CM Naidu Vows to Restore 'Brand AP' and Relaunches Anna Canteens Across Andhra Pradesh

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu reaffirmed the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government's commitment to restoring Andhra Pradesh's former glory and rebuilding "Brand AP," which he claimed had suffered significantly over the past five years. Speaking during the 78th Independence Day celebrations at Indira Gandhi Municipal Stadium in Vijayawada, Naidu expressed confidence in revitalizing the state, which he said had been plagued by lawlessness, institutional decay, corruption, and land mafias during the previous administration.

Naidu emphasized that the state had regained its freedom with the NDA's victory in the recent elections, noting that the damage done in the past five years was greater than that caused by the bifurcation of the united Andhra Pradesh. "The people are now enjoying the fruits of freedom with the NDA coming to power," he declared.

He assured the public that there would be no backtracking on pre-ele

ction promises, pledging that his government would meet all expectations. "I am confident that the state will get back its past glory, and we are taking all possible measures to build 'Brand AP,'" he said, emphasizing the motto of his administration: simple government, effective governance.

In alignment with the Centre's ambitious Viksit Bharat-2047 plan, Naidu announced that his government would unveil its Vision-2047 on October 2, aiming to build a Viksit Andhra Pradesh by 2047. He also highlighted plans for rapid development in Amaravati, the state capital, with the Centre promising a special assistance of ₹15,000 crore annually for its construction. Additionally, the Polavaram project and a special package for North Coastal Andhra and Prakasam districts were assured by the Centre.

The Chief Minister outlined his government's goal of achieving zero poverty in the coming years, emphasizing the need for public support in these efforts. He also mentioned initiatives to regain investor confidence and attract investments back to the state.

During a separate event in Gudivada, Naidu relaunched the "Anna Canteens," a program providing subsidized meals for ₹5 per plate, fulfilling a promise made by the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) before the elections. Named after the iconic Telugu actor and former Chief Minister N.T. Rama Rao, these canteens were originally introduced by Naidu during his previous tenure but were shut down by the YSRCP government between 2019 and 2024.

In the first phase, 100 Anna Canteens were reopened across the state. At the Gudivada canteen, Naidu and his wife, Bhuvaneswari, shared a meal with the public. Addressing the gathering, Naidu stressed that the canteens were designed to alleviate hunger among the poor, particularly daily wage workers, auto drivers, street vendors, and small-time laborers. "For just ₹15 a day, they will receive hygienic and substantial meals three times a day," he said.

Naidu added that each canteen currently serves meals to 350 people daily, with plans to increase both the number of canteens and meal supply based on demand. The initiative is expected to cost the state exchequer approximately ₹200 crore.