Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman paid a surprise visit to Delhi’s iconic Andhra Bhavan, where she interacted with students from southern states, including Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, just two days before critical polling in these regions.
Sitharaman’s visit appeared to be a strategic move by the BJP to connect with voters and expand its presence ahead of the May 13 elections.
During the interaction, Nirmala Sitharaman not only discussed various issues like education, politics and the economy but also took on a nurturing role, ensuring that the students were enjoying their meal. She encouraged them to eat while she listened attentively to their concerns.
Sharing personal anecdotes from her own student days, Nirmala Sitharaman recounted her journey from Madurai to Delhi for university studies, creating a relatable atmosphere for the students.
The conversation took a political turn when a student from Andhra Pradesh inquired about starting a political career. Nirmala Sitharaman advised him to prioritise completing his studies before venturing into politics, drawing from her own experience of entering politics later in life.
Responding to other queries, Nirmala Sitharaman reassured the students about political representation and the delimitation of constituencies, emphasizing the constitutional process in such matters.
She also addressed concerns about the responsible use of taxpayer money for welfare schemes and highlighted the need for students to acquire new skills to meet evolving job market demands.
As the interaction concluded, Nirmala Sitharaman took selfies with the students and apologised for extending their lunchtime, demonstrating a friendly and approachable demeanour.
Before leaving, she expressed optimism about the BJP’s electoral prospects in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, citing positive responses to the party’s alliances in these states.
In Andhra Pradesh, the BJP is contesting in alliance with the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Janasena, led by Pawan Kalyan. Sitharaman’s visit to Andhra Bhavan underscored the BJP’s efforts to connect with voters and strengthen its position in the upcoming elections.
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