Hans News Service Tadepalli

Ministerfor Education and IT, Nara Lokesh has asserted that the coalition government is committed to transform Mangalagiri into the number one constituency in the state across all sectors. Addressing the media during the inauguration and foundation-laying ceremonies for various development projects in the constituency, Lokesh highlighted the government’s development agenda and responded sharply to criticism from the opposition.

Lokesh stated that comprehensive infrastructure development is underway in Mangalagiri, including underground drainage, underground power supply, drinking water facilities, hospitals, parks, lakes, community halls, libraries, and improved crematoriums. He announced that the constituency’s long-awaited underground drainage project, estimated to cost around Rs 1,200 crore, would be personally monitored by him to ensure timely completion without causing inconvenience to residents.

The minister said the government has already launched several welfare initiatives, including enhanced pensions, free bus travel for women, free LPG cylinders, financial assistance under “Talliki Vandanam,” and support schemes for farmers, fishermen, and auto drivers. He claimed that the government is fulfilling its election promises in a phased and transparent manner. Taking aim at YSRCP chief and Pulivendula MLA Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy, Lokesh remarked that if the opposition leader spent more time in Andhra Pradesh instead of Bengaluru and Hyderabad, he would better understand the development taking place in the state. On the issue of teacher recruitment, Lokesh declared that no force could stop the government from conducting DSC recruitment. He said 16,000 teacher posts had already been filled within 150 days and promised more notifications after the next TET examination. He also challenged the opposition to a public debate on DSC and reservation policies.

Lokesh further directed officials to complete the long-pending Nidamarru railway over bridge within 18 months and reiterated his vision of making Mangalagiri a model constituency for governance, infrastructure, and public welfare.