Minister Savita turns auto rickshaw driver to empower TDP activist

Penukonda – Andhra Pradesh: On Sunday, Andhra Pradesh BC Welfare and Handloom Textiles Minister S Savita took the wheel—literally—by purchasing and driving an auto rickshaw to boost self-employment for a Telugu Desam Party (TDP) activist and NBK fan, Vadde Ramu, in Penukonda, Sri Sathya Sai district.

In an unconventional move blending political symbolism with grassroots support, Andhra Pradesh Minister S Savita rolled out a new initiative on Sunday, personally funding an auto rickshaw to uplift a loyal party worker. The gesture, rooted in her commitment to empowering TDP activists, underscores her hands-on approach to welfare. Here is how it unfolded and what it means.

A ride for empowerment: Savita’s bold move

On a sunlit Sunday afternoon in Penukonda town, Minister S Savita didn’t just hand over keys—she drove them home. Using her personal funds, she purchased a gleaming new auto rickshaw for Vadde Ramu, a dedicated TDP activist and ardent fan of actor-politician Nandamuri Balakrishna (NBK). With Ramu seated beside her, Savita took the driver’s seat, steering through the streets in a vivid display of solidarity. The event, held at 5:03 PM PDT on March 23, 2025, drew local attention as a rare instance of a minister stepping into a working-class role.

Words of commitment: Prioritizing party workers

Speaking at the occasion, Savita framed the initiative as a tribute to the grassroots backbone of the TDP. “I have undertaken this program in a manner befitting the party activists he has worked for,” she declared, emphasizing her intent to honour their dedication. She went further, pledging ongoing support: “I assure that I will give priority to supporting every activist.” Her words resonate with her broader portfolio, which includes Backward Classes (BC) welfare, signaling a focus on tangible upliftment over mere rhetoric.

The beneficiary: Vadde Ramu’s new start

Vadde Ramu, a resident of Penukonda in Sri Sathya Sai district, is no stranger to TDP loyalty. Known locally as both an NBK enthusiast and a steadfast party worker, he now has a vehicle—and a livelihood—thanks to Savita’s intervention. The auto rickshaw, a symbol of self-reliance, aligns with the minister’s stated goal of fostering self-employment among BC communities and TDP supporters. For Ramu, it’s not just a ride; it’s a lifeline to economic independence.

A Minister’s dual role

Savita, who also oversees Handloom Textiles, has been a rising figure in the TDP since her 2024 election as Penukonda’s MLA. Her decision to fund the auto herself—rather than tapping state resources—adds a personal stake to her public service. This act ties into her broader agenda of BC empowerment, a cornerstone of the TDP under Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu. In a state where auto rickshaws are a vital transport artery, Savita’s move blends practicality with political messaging, potentially setting a precedent for other leaders.