In a significant move, the TDP coalition government in Andhra Pradesh has scrapped the mandatory newspaper purchase allowance previously instituted by the YSRCP government. Under the old scheme, volunteers were required to buy a particular newspaper, for which they were provided a monthly allowance of Rs. 200. The TDP government recently issued a memo canceling this order, instructing that no payments should be made for newspapers.
There were allegations that the YSRCP government had introduced the allowance to boost the circulation of the "Sakshi" newspaper. With the cancellation of this scheme, the TDP aims to address these concerns and bring changes to the volunteer system.
The situation for volunteers in Andhra Pradesh has become uncertain. Many volunteers have approached TDP leaders, complaining that they were forced to resign before the elections. They are now requesting to be reinstated. Some volunteers have even filed complaints against YSRCP leaders with the police.
