Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh BJP president PVN Madhav expressed concern over the mounting financial burden on aqua farmers due to rising fuel prices triggered by global geopolitical tensions.

Participating in the “Cheruvula Parirakshana” and “Janata Varadhi” programmes, Mr. Madhav said international political developments, particularly tensions between Iran and the United States, had impacted the global economy and led to an increase in crude oil prices, thereby pushing up domestic fuel costs.

He observed that the aquaculture sector was heavily dependent on fuel for the operation of motors, aerators, transportation and feed supply, resulting in a sharp rise in operational expenditure for farmers. The increase in production costs, coupled with export slowdown and market instability, was placing severe pressure on the sector, he said.

Mr. Madhav stated that small and medium-scale aqua farmers were facing significant economic stress under the prevailing conditions. He assured that the Bharatiya Janata Party would take the concerns of aqua farmers to the attention of both the Union and State governments and seek measures such as diesel subsidy, electricity concessions, financial assistance and restructuring of loans.

Highlighting the importance of the aquaculture sector to Andhra Pradesh’s economy, he said the industry provided livelihoods to thousands of families and required sustained policy support from governments.

Mr. Madhav said aqua farmers need not lose confidence, adding that the BJP remained committed to supporting the sector and addressing the issues affecting farmers.

Kurnool, May 19: BJP State president PVN Madhav on Tuesday said party workers remained the principal strength behind the Bharatiya Janata Party’s organisational expansion and called upon cadre to work with the spirit of “nation first, politics later.”

Participating in the district-level training camp organised under the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Prashikshan Maha Abhiyan in Kurnool, Mr. Madhav addressed party workers on ideological orientation, organisational responsibilities, leadership development and public outreach.

He said the BJP recognised and encouraged every worker who served the party with commitment and selflessness. Party cadre, he observed, were the true ambassadors responsible for taking the party’s ideology and welfare initiatives to the people.

Mr. Madhav underlined the need for continuous training to strengthen leadership qualities, social awareness and responsiveness to public issues among party workers. He urged cadre to uphold values such as patriotism, discipline, dedication to society and service-mindedness while remaining closely connected with people at the grassroots level.

Stressing the growing influence of social media in shaping public opinion, he advised workers to remain vigilant against misinformation and effectively counter false propaganda with facts. He also called upon party cadre to maintain cordial relations with the public and safeguard the party’s credibility through responsible conduct.

Referring to national issues, Mr. Madhav said the country was passing through a phase that required citizens to remain alert on matters concerning national security, democratic values and social harmony. He pointed to global geopolitical developments and the spread of misinformation on digital platforms as areas of concern.

He said the Union government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi was taking firm measures to strengthen national security, economic stability and internal governance. Citizens, irrespective of political affiliations, should work collectively for the protection of the Constitution and national integrity, he said.

Mr. Madhav also urged youth not to rely on unverified information circulating on social media platforms and instead trust official sources of information. He criticised certain Opposition parties for allegedly placing political interests above national priorities.

Calling for responsible use of resources, he said people should reduce unnecessary fuel consumption and limit avoidable foreign travel, while drawing inspiration from what he described as the Prime Minister’s own efforts towards austerity.

He concluded by urging citizens to unite with the spirit of “nation before politics” for the country’s development and security.