Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Monday thanked cadres and leaders of the TDP, Janasena and BJP for their collective efforts in securing the NDA coalition's victory in the local body elections.
Addressing a media conference here, the TDP supremo said even those who were denied election tickets had upheld coalition dharma and worked for the alliance's success.
"I sincerely thank the cadres and leaders of all three alliance parties for their hard work and sacrifices. We held extensive discussions on seat-sharing and ensured opportunities for candidates from different communities in proportion to their population," said Naidu.
He said the elections had ushered in a new political trend, with candidates from diverse backgrounds, even those without significant political experience winning local body positions across Andhra Pradesh.
The Chief Minister acknowledged the sacrifices made by leaders and cadres during seat-sharing and said their contributions would be recognised.
Naidu said the people's mandate reflected the appreciation of the NDA coalition government's efforts, adding that a larger majority brought greater responsibility.
Elected representatives must remain cautious and serve people, he said.
"We are not rulers but public servants. We will correct ourselves wherever mistakes have occurred and move forward. We have no reservations about reviewing our shortcomings," said the CM.
Despite the coalition's overall victory across the state, he expressed concern over its defeats in some constituencies, including Anantapur.
He also expressed disappointment over results in agency areas despite development initiatives, including taking Araku coffee to international markets and undertaking planned development in the region.
Naidu said the party would examine whether inducements influenced voters in agency areas and analyse claims that religious conversions had affected voting patterns.
He warned that strict action could follow.
Naidu said money had not influenced the elections and hoped the trend would continue. He congratulated all winners, noting their increased responsibility towards people and constituencies.
The TDP supremo said the NDA coalition's responsibility did not end with the elections and that the government would continue working to attract investments and industries to Andhra Pradesh.
The CII Partnership Summit would be held in Visakhapatnam on November 12 and 13. Naidu said the event would help strengthen the state's investment prospects and image.
He said Andhra Pradesh's brand image, which had 'suffered' earlier, had been restored and turned into a 'super brand', adding that investments would follow once the brand was established.
Polling for 100 urban local bodies, comprising 13 municipal corporations and 87 municipalities and nagar panchayats, was held on November 1, with counting and declaration of results on November 3.
Elections to MPTC and ZPTC seats were held in a single phase on November 5, with results declared on November 7. Gram panchayat elections were scheduled in three phases on November 26, 29 and December 2, with results to be declared on the respective polling days.