Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has lauded the Budget 2024 for its substantial allocation to the southern state, saying the support from the Centre would go a long way towards rebuilding Andhra.
Naidu commended the Budget for prioritising the development of a new capital, the Polavaram irrigation project, industrial growth and uplift of backward regions.
In the tweet, Naidu extended his thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for addressing Andhra Pradesh’s critical needs in the budget.
Minister Nara Lokesh, who is Naidu’s son, too, expressed his gratitude for the funds set aside for the state's development.
Lokesh described the Budget as a "new sunrise for Andhra Pradesh". "A new sunrise for Andhra Pradesh. I am extremely delighted and grateful for the Union Finance Minister’s announcements today in the Budget. These will go a long way towards helping AP achieve its development and social objectives," he said on the X platform, formerly Twitter.
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Lokesh said the provisions would significantly advance Andhra’s objectives of industrial growth, infrastructure, irrigation, and human resource development. He particularly noted the allocation towards the Amaravati capital project and the Polavaram irrigation scheme, calling these measures "a special and holistic package" that addresses critical areas of development.
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Lokesh also hailed the budget as a landmark moment in the state's history, describing it as a "red letter day" and a crucial step towards realising the state's aspirations.
Other Andhra Pradesh leaders have also welcomed the Union Budget 2024, particularly highlighting the substantial financial commitments made by the Central Government.
Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu praised the budget for its emphasis on job creation, employment generation, and support for the private sector and foreign direct investment (FDI). Naidu expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, noting that the budget's allocation of Rs 15,000 crore for Andhra Pradesh and its commitment to completing the Polavaram irrigation project align with promises made to the state. "The Govt has done the work of giving strength to the common people of the country. Stress has been given to job creation, employment generation, the private sector, and FDI. I want to thank PM Modi who had promised to take care of Andhra Pradesh and in the budget he has done that. In the last 5 years, Andhra Pradesh became a no-capital state. The people and farmers of the state want to thank PM Modi for providing a package of Rs 15,000 crore and to complete the Polavaram project which is the lifeline of Andhra Pradesh," he said.
TDP leader Somireddy Chandramohan Reddy describing it as a positive step for Andhra Pradesh's development. Reddy acknowledged the contrasting approaches of state leaders, contrasting YSRCP chief Jagan Mohan Reddy’s alleged attempts to undermine the state’s image with Chandrababu Naidu's efforts to secure financial aid for the state. "We are happy and welcoming the budget announcement by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Jagan Mohan Reddy went to Delhi to damage the state's image, whereas Chandrababu Naidu went to Delhi twice after assuming power to seek financial assistance for the state's welfare and development. Andhra Pradesh is receiving 15,000 crores as a special package for the development of the state." Reddy stated.
Budget allocates Rs 15,000 crore for Amaravati, commits funds for Polavaram and backward districts
In response to ongoing demands for Special Category Status for Andhra Pradesh, the Union Budget has allocated significant funds to the state, including Rs 15,000 crore for Amaravati’s development. The budget also includes support for the Polavaram irrigation project and the Backward Districts package, as stipulated by the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman reaffirmed the NDA government's commitment to completing the Polavaram project and enhancing industrial development and infrastructure in the state.
Sitharaman stated that under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, funds will be allocated to boost industrial development and improve essential infrastructure, including water, power, railways, and roads, as well as support backward regions like Rayalaseema, Prakasam, and North Coastal Andhra Pradesh.
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