In a bid to secure crucial funding and address key developmental concerns, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday during his two-day visit to the national capital. The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief focused on accelerating the release of funds for the Polavaram irrigation project and the development of the state's capital, Amaravati.
Accompanied by Union Ministers K. Rammohan Naidu and Pemmasani Chandrasekhar, Naidu held a series of high-level meetings with prominent Union ministers, including Home Minister Amit Shah, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil.
According to an official statement from the Andhra Pradesh government, Naidu expressed his gratitude to PM Modi for the Rs 15,000 crore allocation for Amaravati's development announced in the Union Budget. He also pressed for Special Assistance for Capital Investment (SACI) and the release of grants for the backward regions of Rayalaseema, Prakasam, and the North Coastal areas. These demands aim to address the lingering developmental disparities in these underdeveloped districts.
During his discussion with Home Minister Amit Shah, Naidu raised concerns about unresolved issues under the State Reorganisation Act, seeking swift resolution to matters that have long affected the state?s administration and progress.
In his meeting with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the Andhra CM focused on structuring multilateral financial assistance for the development of Amaravati, stressing the importance of sustainable funding mechanisms to support the ambitious capital city project.
On Friday, Naidu met with Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil to discuss the ongoing construction of the diaphragm wall for the Polavaram irrigation project. The CM emphasized the need for enhanced coordination between the Centre and the state to ensure the timely and safe completion of the project, following recommendations from a central government-appointed expert panel. He also urged officers from the Central Water Commission (CWC) to expedite approvals for construction methodologies related to the diaphragm wall, ECRF Dam, and associated works.
Naidu?s visit to Delhi comes at a time when Andhra Pradesh is grappling with rising public debt, which has increased from 31.02% of the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) in 2019-20 to 33.32% in 2023-24, according to official data. This financial strain adds urgency to the state's efforts to secure central assistance for its key infrastructure projects.
The outcomes of these meetings could significantly impact the pace and scope of development in Andhra Pradesh, particularly in the crucial areas of irrigation and urban development. Naidu?s proactive engagement with the central leadership reflects his administration?s commitment to addressing the state?s developmental challenges while navigating its fiscal constraints.
