Nara Lokesh promises to rename Foreign Education Scheme after Ambedkar upon winning power
Mangalagiri: In a recent political rally, TDP National General Secretary Nara Lokesh criticized Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy for renaming the foreign education scheme previously named after Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. Lokesh accused Jagan of replacing Ambedkar's name with his own in the scheme. He promised to restore Ambedkar's name to the scheme immediately if the TDP comes to power.
The remarks were made during a "Rachchabanda" program held in Tummapudi, Mangalagiri constituency, as part of the ongoing election campaign. Lokesh, addressing the local population, pledged to transform Mangalagiri into the best constituency in the country if given a mandate.
Recalling past achievements, Lokesh highlighted several welfare initiatives introduced by the previous TDP government led by N. Chandrababu Naidu. He noted significant improvements such as the increase in pensions from Rs. 200 to Rs. 2000, the establishment of Anna Canteens to combat hunger among the poor, and other social welfare schemes like the best available schools, marriage gifts, Chandranna Bima, and foreign education programs. He strongly criticized the current government for discontinuing these programs.
In his speech, Lokesh also refuted claims allegedly made by YSRCP leaders about the cancellation of a 4% reservation for Muslims, stating that these were baseless accusations intended to mislead the public. He assured that the TDP would continue to support the Muslim community wholeheartedly.
Local residents took this opportunity to present their grievances to Lokesh, requesting measures such as free coaching centers for competitive exams, assistance for unemployed manual laborers, construction of roads including a specific request for a road to the Muslim burial ground, and a promise to restart a closed government school near Chiluvuru gate. They also sought clarification on the implementation of the 4% Muslim reservation and demanded land allocations for homeless citizens. Lokesh gave firm assurances on addressing these issues, including reservations for tile workers in liquor shops and reinstating GO 117 to strengthen government education and housing for the eligible poor.