Jagan’s Manifesto: Nothing Much Offered In The Plate

The YSR Congress Party has announced its election manifesto today as CM Jagan debriefed the media and addressed the AP public on his party’s manifesto for the coming polls. Though Jagan spoke for nearly two hours about the manifesto, it had little to do with the implementation of new schemes but it instead turned out to be an enhancement of the same old Navaratnalu schemes that are in place.

The mainstays of the Navartnalu+ manifesto announcement are; Pensions will be increased from the existing Rs 3000 to Rs.3,500 but not immediately after coming to power. The first 250 Rs increment will be in Jan 2028, and the second 250 Rs increase in Jan 2029. If we compare that to one of Chandrababu’s super six promises, the pension promised by the TDP+ alliance is Rs 4000 effective immediately after coming to power. This gives TDP+ a clear advantage.

Amma Vodi will be increased from Rs.15,000 to 17,000 if elected to power. This is a minor bump-up in terms of payout and more importantly, Jagan hasn’t announced that this scheme will be applicable to more than 1 child in the family. On the other hand, Chandrababu promises to give Amma Vodi to as many kids as there are in the household. This is a mega offering from Chandrababu as a house with 4 kids could get Rs 60,000 per year through this program.

Apart from the direct comparisons, Chandrababu has delivered the killer blow of free RTC travel for women, which Jagan hasn’t promised. This could very well trigger the women voters in favor of TDP. In addition to this, Naidu promised three free gas cylinders per year to eligible households and also permitted a grant of Rs 1500 per month for women aged 15-59 under Aadabidda Nidhi scheme.

Once Again, Jagan stands by three Capitals promise, where as TDP+ alliance promised to develop Amaravati As Andhra Pradesh Capital.

In terms of public outreach, Direct Benefit Transfer)DBT) and the sheer scale of welfare programs, TDP+’s super six is above and beyond the promises made by Jagan in every sense. But Jagan is hoping that the credibility that he built in the last 5 years would propel him to power. On the other hand, Naidu is saying he will generate more revenues for the state through investments and in turn give the money back to the public. Which approach will ultimately win? We will know on June 4th.