TDP State president extends Christmas greetings

Telugu Desam Party State President Palla Srinivasa Rao extended Christmas greetings to the people of Andhra Pradesh on Wednesday, with a special message to the Christian community. He said Christmas stands for universal values such as love, peace, compassion and service.

In a statement, Mr. Srinivasa Rao said the teachings of Jesus Christ continue to guide humanity. He noted that the biblical message of loving one’s neighbour, if followed sincerely, would leave little room for discord. Peace and love, he said, remain the foundation of harmonious living.

Highlighting initiatives of the coalition government, he said pastors across the State received Christmas gifts through the release of honorarium funds. Over Rs 50.50 crore was disbursed to 8,418 pastors, providing a monthly honorarium of Rs 5,000, or Rs 60,000 annually.

He recalled that the pastor honorarium scheme was first introduced in the undivided State by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. As promised earlier, the Chief Minister announced the release on Semi-Christmas Day and ensured that funds were credited before December 24, reflecting the government’s credibility, he said.

Mr. Srinivasa Rao added that the government was also providing financial assistance to Christian pilgrims travelling to Jerusalem. He noted that allocations for Christmas Hi-Tea celebrations had been raised from Rs 30,000 per district during the previous YSR Congress Party government to Rs 2 lakh per district under the present coalition.

Reiterating the coalition’s stand, he said the government remained committed to respecting all religions and working for the welfare and development of every section of society.