Y.S. Sharmila, President of the Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC), has strongly criticised the NDA government in Andhra Pradesh, led by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, for allegedly abandoning the much-publicised Aadabidda Nidhi scheme — one of the six key welfare promises made under the ‘Super Six’ agenda during the elections.

In a scathing post on X (formerly Twitter), Sharmila said, “Looks like the government has already done away with the scheme, which was included in the much-hyped Super Six promises.” The Aadabidda Nidhi, a flagship welfare commitment, had promised ₹1,500 monthly financial support to eligible women aged between 18 and 59.

Sharmila accuses government of betrayal

Calling the decision a betrayal of women across the State, Sharmila said the promise made to lakhs of women voters has been quietly dropped just weeks after the NDA assumed power. She also took aim at Agriculture Minister K. Atchannaidu, who controversially remarked that “we will have to sell Andhra Pradesh to implement the scheme.”

“This statement from a senior minister is not only irresponsible but also a mockery of the faith women placed in the TDP-led alliance,” Sharmila remarked.

She further questioned the intent and sincerity of the ruling alliance. “If implementing the scheme was financially unviable, why did the TDP include it in its manifesto at all?” she asked, calling the move deceptive electioneering that targeted women voters without real intent to follow through.

What is Aadabidda Nidhi?

The Aadabidda Nidhi scheme was a central component of the ‘Super Six’ promises made by the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and its allies during the 2024 assembly election campaign. The scheme assured monthly financial assistance of ₹1,500 to every eligible woman aged between 18 and 59 years, aiming to improve economic independence and welfare among women, especially homemakers, single mothers, and low-income earners.

At the time of the announcement, the promise drew wide public support, with several women’s groups and civil society organisations hailing it as a progressive and inclusive step.

Political backlash over non-implementation

The failure to implement the scheme so far has not only sparked political backlash but also raised questions over the realism of the entire Super Six package. Sharmila alleged that the NDA government’s so-called good governance is already showing cracks, with one of its most popular schemes left in cold storage.

“Women are being taken for a ride in the name of welfare. Where is the accountability?” Sharmila asked, demanding that Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu publicly explain why his government has not fulfilled this critical promise.

The criticism comes amid a broader opposition narrative that the NDA government in Andhra Pradesh is backtracking on welfare schemes, especially those focused on vulnerable groups like women, farmers, and unemployed youth.

Financial feasibility vs. election promises

Minister Atchannaidu’s remarks that implementing the scheme would mean selling the State itself have become a lightning rod for controversy. Critics say it reflects either a lack of planning or deliberate misinformation during the election campaign.

“If it was known that this promise could not be delivered, it was unethical to offer it to voters,” said a senior Congress leader, echoing Sharmila’s remarks. “This is classic political betrayal,” he added.

Many believe that the public admission of the scheme’s financial infeasibility undermines the very credibility of the TDP’s manifesto and casts a shadow on the coalition’s other pre-poll assurances.

Women feel betrayed

Several women's rights organisations have begun expressing their disappointment and frustration. Many women who voted for the TDP in hopes of receiving monthly financial aid have said they feel cheated and ignored.

“₹1,500 a month may not be a huge amount for politicians, but for a daily wage worker, or a homemaker supporting children alone, this money means dignity and survival,” said Sudha Rani, a schoolteacher from Guntur. “The government should not take women's trust for granted.”

Sharmila has also said that the Congress will take up a State-wide agitation if the Aadabidda Nidhi scheme is not implemented within a clear and immediate timeframe.

CM Naidu under pressure to respond

So far, Chief Minister Naidu has remained silent on the controversy. However, with rising criticism from both opposition parties and public voices, political observers expect a clarification soon.

The Chief Minister is now under pressure to either provide a timeline for the scheme's rollout or formally announce its withdrawal — both of which carry political risks.

If the scheme is scrapped, it could become a rallying point for opposition unity. If implemented partially or selectively, the government may face criticism for bias or inadequate targeting.

Conclusion

The row over the Aadabidda Nidhi scheme is rapidly becoming the first major flashpoint between the ruling NDA government and the opposition in Andhra Pradesh.

While Y.S. Sharmila’s vocal criticism has reignited focus on pre-election promises, the larger question remains: Will the government act to protect the trust of lakhs of women voters, or will this scheme become another symbol of broken political promises?

With growing pressure from the opposition and the public, all eyes are now on Chandrababu Naidu’s next move.

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