In a scathing criticism of the Jagan government, Chandrababu Naidu, the chief of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), accused the government of putting up a tender to loot properties belonging to Christian missionaries and educational institutions, estimating the worth at around Rs. 7 lakh crore. Chandrababu labelled this as a ‘Scheme for Scam’ policy adopted by the current administration.
Addressing a semi-Christmas celebration organised by the TDP’s Christian wing at the party’s central office in Mangalagiri, Chandrababu expressed his dismay over the discontinuation of grants to Christian missionaries by the YSR government. He emphasised that previous governments provided financial aid to support the commendable work done by Christian missionaries in establishing educational institutions, hospitals, and asylums.
Recognising Dalit Christians as Scheduled Castes
During the celebration, Chandrababu declared the TDP’s commitment to recognising Dalit Christians as Scheduled Castes (SCs) if the party comes to power. He pledged to fund the repair of churches in every constituency, provide a livelihood allowance to pastors, and consider demands for funding the Christian Corporation, construction of Christian buildings, and offering a 50% concession for pilgrimages to Jerusalem.
Chandrababu criticised the YSR government’s actions, alleging that while luxurious palaces were being built, initiatives he started, such as constructing a church in Guntur, were neglected. He accused the present government of suppressing dissent by attacking illegal cases and party offices, questioning the role of the police in ensuring justice.
Notably, Chandrababu voiced his concern over the growing marijuana cultivation in the state and questioned the government’s priorities, especially regarding the welfare of the youth. He emphasised the importance of allowing ordinary people to voice their concerns without fear of reprisal.
During the celebration, Chandrababu and his wife visited the Gunadala Mary Mata shrine, where religious leaders welcomed them, presenting a portrait of Mary Mata. The TDP chief reiterated his commitment to development and expressed his dismay over the alleged destruction of his initiatives in Navyandhra by the current Chief Minister, Jagan Mohan Reddy. Naidu declared that supporting leaders like Jagan is akin to “mocking God’s message”, highlighting the importance of leaders refraining from divisive statements and respecting people from different regions of the country.
It seems like a battle between Naidu and Jagan as to who will be the better and more devout Christian!
It is noteworthy that Naidu’s wife Nara Bhuvaneshwari was seen praying at churches when he was arrested in a multi-crore skill development scam case.
