“We are going to see a new change in Delhi," says Chandrababu Naidu
New Delhi: Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu claimed on Thursday that a new era is about to begin in Delhi, with the installation of a BJP chief minister there.
Speaking at the oath-taking ceremony of Rekha Gupta as Delhi CM, Naidu expressed the hope for faster development of Delhi with the presence of a “double engine” government.
Later, speaking to the media there, Naidu responded to questions on Telangana’s objections to the water usage by AP. He said, "Andhra Pradesh is geographically positioned at the tail end of the river flow. During my tenure as CM in the united AP period, I completed several projects to ensure Telangana received adequate water.”
“Now, we are focusing on utilizing the water that is flowing into the sea. Andhra Pradesh has the opportunity to harness this wasted water. True politics is about working for the people, and the alliance government in AP is committed to work for the people, with integrity and dedication," he state.
On the fall in prices of chilli, Naidu promised chilli farmers that “there is no need to panic over this.” He had discussed the issue with the central government.
The CM said, "Previously, the international market was strong, ensuring good returns for farmers. However, due to a decline in global demand, prices have dropped."
Naidu said he brought the concerns of chilli farmers to the attention of Union agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Since the minister was on an official tour, the matter was discussed via video conference. "On Friday, he
The chief minister also met Jal Shakti minister CR Patil to discuss central assistance for the Polavaram project.
AP, the CM said, “needs to procure 1.2 million metric tonnes of chilli this year, of which 400,000 metric tonnes have already arrived in the market. Chilli cultivation has been carried out on approximately 500,000 acres in AP, and the price drop has severely impacted farmers.”
"We have requested the central government to intervene and support farmers. Under the Market Intervention Scheme, only 25 per cent of the price is provided. But, the cost of cultivation should be taken into account. We have urged Chouhan to rectify these issues," Naidu stated.
Naidu, during a meeting with minister Patil, discussed the Jal Jeevan Mission and the Polavaram project. He informed Patil that if AP could utilise the water currently flowing into the sea, the state can be drought-free. “We have sought central assistance to divert Polavaram water to Banakacharla. A central team will visit the state to study the feasibility.”
On the Jal Jeevan Mission, Naidu said the central government has extended the project deadline to 2028.
He said, “However, based on past allocations, AP will receive Rs.27,000 crore. To supply tap water across all regions, an additional Rs.54,000 crore will be required. We will continue discussions with the central government on these aspects. A Detailed Project Report (DPR) for Rs.27,000 crore is being prepared, and we will seek central funding."
