Anna Canteens – BJP Promises ‘Atal Canteens’

The TDP, a pioneer in Indian politics, continues to leave an indelible mark even decades after its inception. Known for achieving power within just nine months of its formation and introducing transformative welfare policies, the TDP has set benchmarks that have inspired numerous political parties across India.

Under the leadership of its founder, Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (NTR), TDP introduced revolutionary welfare schemes like ₹2/kg rice and pensions for the elderly, which earned the party nationwide recognition. Carrying this legacy forward, Nara Chandrababu Naidu expanded these welfare measures, and now Nara Lokesh is enhancing them further.

TDP’s innovative welfare programs have now caught the attention of none other than the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the ruling party at the center. The BJP, while leading the NDA coalition, appears to have drawn inspiration from TDP’s governance model.

Anna Canteens: A Welfare Trendsetter

TDP’s flagship program, Anna Canteens, gained immense popularity by providing affordable and nutritious meals to the poor. Following this model, several states adopted similar schemes under different names. Meals priced at ₹5 per serving became a lifeline for the underprivileged, with three meals a day ensuring no one went hungry.

BJP’s Atal Canteens Inspired by TDP

Ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections, BJP announced its election manifesto on Friday, pledging to introduce Atal Canteens, modeled after TDP’s Anna Canteens. BJP’s national president, Jagat Prakash Nadda, revealed that these canteens, named in memory of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, would provide meals at just ₹5.
Manifesto Overlaps: TDP’s Shadow on BJP’s Promises

Interestingly, several promises in BJP’s manifesto seem reminiscent of TDP’s election commitments. These include:

— Increasing pension amounts.
— Providing free gas cylinders during major festivals like Holi and Diwali.
— Offering financial support of ₹2,500 per month to women.