Fishermen sail in 100 boats to Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu’s residence for welfare aid

VIJAYAWADA: In a rare and emotional gesture of gratitude, fishermen from villages along the Krishna river reached the residence of chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu in nearly 100 boats on Tuesday to thank the govt for releasing the second-year assistance under the ‘Matsyakarula Sevalo’ scheme.

Fishermen from Venkatapalem, Thummalapalem, Seethanagaram and Kummarapalem travelled in large numbers through the Krishna river and gathered near the chief minister’s residence to express their appreciation to the public govt for continuing welfare support to the fishing community.

The unusual show of affection drew the attention of HRD and IT minister Nara Lokesh, who greeted the fishermen from his residence and personally invited them inside. The fishermen later visited the CM’s residence and interacted with the minister.


Speaking on the occasion, Lokesh described fishermen as “affectionate friends and sons of the sea” and recalled the warm reception he received from the community during his Yuvagalam padayatra at Juvvaladinne village. “I witnessed the unity and commitment of fishermen during the Yuvagalam padayatra.

The entire village decorated the roads with colourful rangolis and ensured nobody disturbed them till I arrived. The fishermen stand firmly by their word and society should learn that quality from them,” Lokesh said.

The minister said the previous YSRCP regime had badly damaged the state’s economy, resulting in companies moving away from Andhra Pradesh. He said the present coalition govt was simultaneously focusing on rebuilding the state and implementing welfare programmes despite inheriting financial difficulties.

Lokesh said he personally understood the hardships faced by fishermen, who continue to educate their children despite economic struggles. “We are travelling across the world to bring investments and create better job opportunities for the youth. As part of that effort, a defence company project has already been launched at Juvvaladinne,” he said.

He also announced that Sagar defence company would establish an autonomous surveillance patrol boat system to prevent Tamil fishermen from illegally entering Andhra waters. Assuring continued support to the fishing community, Lokesh told them that the doors of his residence would always remain open for fishermen facing any difficulty or grievance. He later interacted warmly with the visitors and posed for photographs.


The fishermen expressed happiness over the affectionate reception extended by Lokesh, saying they had only come to thank the CM but were overwhelmed by the minister’s hospitality.