Amaravati, March 25 (NationPress) Former Chief Minister and YSR Congress Party leader YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Wednesday voiced his robust endorsement for the amendments to the Women's Reservation Act, 2023, which aims for its execution by 2029.

In a message shared on the social media platform ‘X’, he praised the initiative to secure 33 percent reservation for women in both the Assembly and Lok Sabha, deeming it a pivotal move to enhance women’s political representation across the nation.

Reiterating the YSRCP’s enduring dedication to women’s empowerment, YS Jagan remarked that the party has always taken proactive steps to foster women’s involvement in governance, notably by instituting 50 percent reservation for women in local bodies, nominated positions, and various service contracts.

He stressed that empowering women to rise as leaders at every democratic level has consistently been a fundamental principle of the party’s governance philosophy.

Expressing his approval for the initiative, he conveyed confidence that these efforts would further promote gender equality and open up more avenues for women in public affairs.

In a meeting with YSRCP leaders from the Addanki constituency at the party's central office, Jagan Mohan Reddy sharply criticized Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu for what he termed blatant credit theft and misleading claims regarding the ArcelorMittal steel plant.

The former Chief Minister asserted that the groundwork for the steel plant was established during his administration, not by the current government.

He mentioned that during his visit to Davos in 2022, he met with Aditya Mittal and reached a preliminary agreement for setting up a steel plant in Andhra Pradesh.

Additionally, he noted that the company had committed to investing Rs 4,800 crore in the Greenko project in Kurnool and that various locations, including Nakkapalli, were presented to the company, which was finalized prior to the elections.

YS Jagan questioned why Chandrababu Naidu was not discussing the Bulk Drug Park project in Nakkapalli, a project initiated during his tenure that was competitive with several states.

He accused the current government of intentionally creating land disputes, resulting in project stagnation and the loss of potential investments and job opportunities.

He criticized the coalition government for failing to fulfill any of its electoral promises and for abolishing all previously established welfare initiatives.

He remarked that the super six schemes had turned into a complete deception, adding that citizens were now openly discussing governance failures.

He further alleged that within two years, the state's debt had surged past Rs 3.37 lakh crore, with no noticeable delivery of welfare. He claimed that revenue was not reaching the state treasury and that extensive corruption was occurring in sectors like liquor, sand, and mining.

He also pointed out that the education, healthcare, and agriculture sectors were declining, with students dropping out, hospitals withdrawing services under Aarogyasri, and farmers suffering from inadequate prices.

YS Jagan also addressed future opportunities for party members, indicating that the proposed increase in Assembly and Parliament seats would create more leadership roles, particularly for SCs, STs, and women.

He assured that in “Jagan 2.0,” party workers would gain more significance and opportunities.

He expressed confidence that public discontent with the current administration would result in its defeat in the forthcoming elections.