Former Vice President of India, Venkaiah Naidu, has criticised the Free Bus Scheme being implemented in Andhra Pradesh. Speaking at an event in Nellore, he said the Government should focus on health and education instead of encouraging a dependency on freebies.
Venkaiah Naidu stated, “What is the use of the Free Bus Scheme? The Government should only invest in health and education. People should not get used to freebies. Every Government must disclose its loans and repayments before leaving office.”
For years, Sakshi has referred to Venkaiah Naidu as Venkaiah Chowdary, often targeting him because he belongs to the Kamma community. YSR Congress leaders have repeatedly tried to portray him negatively, linking him with Chandrababu Naidu and branding him as a BJP insider.
Reports claim that if not for the pending ED and CBI cases, Jagan Mohan Reddy would have opposed Venkaiah Naidu’s nomination for Vice President. Interestingly, Sakshi now praises Venkaiah Naidu simply because his recent remarks go against Chandrababu Naidu’s policy.
Sakshi prominently featured his comments with the headline “ఏపీ ప్రభుత్వంపై వెంకయ్య ఘాటు వ్యాఖ్యలు”. It’s not unusual for the outlet to shift its stance based on political convenience.
While Sakshi celebrates criticism of freebies, it’s worth noting that YSR Congress itself built much of its politics around welfare schemes. Late YS Rajasekhara Reddy introduced this culture, and Jagan Mohan Reddy expanded it even further.
However, the current Government is also pushing for wealth generation, job creation, and infrastructure growth alongside welfare schemes. Ironically, YSR Congress once demanded the Free Bus Scheme’s expansion to all routes, opposing restrictions on long-distance services.
Venkaiah Naidu’s comments, therefore, are not aimed at any single party but at the larger freebie culture. Criticising such schemes isn’t wrong the Free Bus Scheme for women has both benefits and drawbacks. His opinion simply reflects a broader concern over fiscal responsibility.
