Vijayawada: Super Six – Super Hit: Y.S. Sharmila’s Take
The Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president, Y.S. Sharmila, has sharply criticized the TDP-led coalition government for its failure to implement the ‘Super Six’ welfare schemes, branding their claim of success as “shameful.” Speaking in Vijayawada on September 10, 2025, she accused Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu of betraying public trust by not fulfilling key election promises. This critique comes amid a high-profile TDP rally in Anantapur, touting the schemes as a “super hit.”
Unemployment Allowance Delays
Sharmila challenged the government’s claim of job creation, questioning whether even one of the state’s 50 lakh unemployed youth has received the promised Rs 3,000 monthly allowance. She highlighted the absence of a concrete plan to deliver on the pledge of 20 lakh jobs, dismissing claims of industrial agreements as superficial. The lack of progress on filling 3 lakh vacant government posts further fuels her criticism.
Farmer Support Shortfalls
The Annadata Sukhibhava scheme, promising Rs 20,000 annually to farmers, has reached only 44 lakh farmers with Rs 7,000 each, excluding nearly 30 lakh others, Sharmila noted. She accused the government of misrepresenting central aid as state support, undermining farmers’ trust. This partial implementation starkly contrasts with the TDP’s ambitious electoral narrative.
Women’s Welfare Promises Unmet
Under the Adabidda Nidhi scheme, the government vowed to provide Rs 1,500 monthly to women, yet Sharmila claims this commitment remains unfulfilled. The Thalliki Vandanam scheme, intended to offer Rs 15,000 annually to mothers for schoolchildren, has reached only 67 lakh of the 87 lakh eligible students. Additionally, the promise of free bus travel for women in RTC buses has seen no progress.
Gas Cylinder Pledge Falters
The Deepam 2.0 scheme, guaranteeing three free gas cylinders annually to households, lacks clarity and implementation, according to Sharmila. She criticized the government for failing to deliver even one cylinder to eligible households. This gap between promise and action has drawn significant public scrutiny.
Broader Scheme Failures
Sharmila listed additional unfulfilled promises, including:
- Annual job calendar for transparent recruitment.
- Pension eligibility at age 50 for BC, SC, ST, and minority communities.
- Subsidies for agriculture, fee reimbursements, and Arogyasri payments.
- Reduction in petrol and diesel prices.
She accused the coalition of exaggerating minor achievements while neglecting these critical commitments, calling for accountability from Naidu.
Political Context and TDP’s Defense
The TDP’s Anantapur rally on September 10, 2025, celebrated the Super Six as fully implemented, claiming they brought “visible happiness” to households. However, Sharmila’s protests, including the ‘Thali Bajao’ campaign, argue that the coalition’s narrative masks a fiscal crisis inherited from the YSRCP, with a state debt of Rs 9.74 lakh crore. The opposition’s critique aims to challenge the TDP’s governance credentials ahead of 2026 local elections.
Public and Political Reactions
Sharmila’s remarks resonate with public frustration over unfulfilled welfare promises, amplified by protests across districts like Kurnool and Prakasam. The YSRCP has echoed similar criticisms, alleging the coalition prioritizes propaganda over delivery. As fiscal constraints loom, the government’s ability to balance welfare and development remains under scrutiny.