Vijayawada: Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has asked Telugu Desam MPs to ensure that the forthcoming central budget prioritizes Andhra Pradesh and allocates adequate funds for the state’s cherished projects.
Naidu was addressing the TD Parliamentary Party meeting he convened at his residence in Undavalli on Tuesday, ahead of the central budget presentation on February 1.
“Communicate the current situation here to the central government and help the state get funds and projects for our economic development,” he told the parliamentarians.
The CM noted that the central government had allocated funds for several key projects, including Rs.11,440 crore for the Vizag Steel Plant, Rs.14,000 crore for the Bulk Drugs Project in Nakkapalli, Rs.15,000 crore for the construction of Amaravati, and Rs.4,936 crore for industrial corridors in Kopparti and Orvakallu.
Naidu advised the MPs to take up with the Centre the pending issues from the AP Reorganisation Act for early resolution. Andhra Pradesh has a long coastline, he said, and emphasised the potential for employment generation and wealth creation through tourism and construction of ports.
The CM asked the MPs to press the Centre for more funds for new roads and expansion of the existing roads, through allocations via the central budget for the 2025 fiscal. Push for the inclusion of the Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada metro rail projects, he told them.
Our parliamentarians, he said, should give special attention to railway projects and make sure that funds are allocated for the pending projects and new projects are approved as well. He specifically mentioned the Nadikudi–Sri Kalahasthi railway line, the Renigunta-Guduru, Kotipalli-Narsapur, and Kadapa-Bangalore projects, asking MPs to secure adequate funds in the central budget for their speedy completion.
Naidu described the Godavari-Banakacherla project as a "game changer" that could significantly benefit farmers when completed. Utilizing the water currently lost to the sea could help alleviate drought.
On the Polavaram project, he noted that the central government has allocated Rs.12,000 crore and said the state government was working hard to complete it and deliver its benefits to farmers.
Naidu encouraged coordination between MLAs and local leaders for party activities, suggesting that when allowances are granted for rural employment guarantee schemes, MPs should consult local MLAs beforehand. He welcomed central minister Pemmasani Chandrasekhar’s suggestion to consider the expenditure from CSR funds without GST.
TD Parliamentary Party leader Lavu Krishna Devarayalu listed the efforts of TD MPs in referring the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024 to the Joint Parliamentary Committee. Of the 14 amendments passed, four were proposed by TD. The meeting was attended by MPs and minister Nara Lokesh.
