Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday described the Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms introduced by the Union Government as a historic new chapter in the country’s economic journey, while emphasizing that the changes will bring significant benefits to the poor and middle-class households despite a reduction in the state’s revenue share.

Addressing Telugu Desam Party (TDP) MPs, MLAs, MLCs and grassroots workers through a teleconference, Naidu underscored the importance of taking the GST narrative to the people. He directed the party cadre to organize at least 60,000 meetings across Andhra Pradesh under the Centre-led ‘GST Utsav’ outreach programme.

“These reforms are not just policy changes; they will ease the financial burden on families and strengthen them economically. It is our responsibility to ensure people understand the benefits,” Naidu said.

Naidu urged party workers and NDA coalition partners to conduct the campaign jointly, explaining how the reforms, backed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, will positively impact common citizens. He reminded that the Andhra Pradesh Assembly had already passed a resolution welcoming the Centre’s decision.

Highlighting the scale of benefits, the Chief Minister said that citizens in Andhra Pradesh alone would gain nearly ₹8,000 crore from GST reforms. Industries such as pharmaceuticals, automobiles, and manufacturing stand to gain, while prices of everyday goods, including two-wheelers, air conditioners, and cars, are expected to fall. Essential medicines, he said, have been exempted from GST altogether. “Even if the state’s revenue dips, these reforms will empower people financially, which is a greater priority,” Naidu explained.

Turning his attention to the opposition YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), Naidu accused the previous government of pushing the power sector into crisis through mismanagement and reckless policies. He said the burden of higher power tariffs was unfairly placed on citizens during the YSRCP’s tenure.

By contrast, he noted, the NDA coalition government had stabilized the sector within just 15 months. He reminded party activists that the coalition has been systematically fulfilling promises made in the election manifesto, including the Super Six guarantees. “It is your responsibility to take every initiative of the government directly to the people,” he said.

Later in the day, the Chief Minister visited Jana Sena Party chief and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan at his Hyderabad residence. The actor-politician has been unwell for the past five days with viral fever. Naidu enquired about his health and wished him a speedy recovery.

Pawan Kalyan is under medical supervision and has been advised complete rest. His office had earlier issued a statement confirming his illness.