Synopsis:
Chief among Naidu’s priorities was the Polavaram Project, a significant national irrigation initiative essential for Andhra Pradesh’s agricultural sector, as he pushed for expedited support in commissioning this crucial project.
Naidu’s Spent 2 Days in Meeting
With a long wishlist for his state, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu spent two days in the nation’s capital meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah as well as several Cabinet ministers.
After securing a strong victory in the recent assembly elections and becoming the second-largest NDA constituent in the Lok Sabha, this marks the first instance where Naidu will meet Union ministers to discuss issues concerning his state.
Polavaram Project
The meeting centred on critical topics such as financial aid and infrastructure development, according to an official statement. Chief among Naidu’s priorities was the Polavaram Project, a significant national irrigation initiative essential for Andhra Pradesh’s agricultural sector, as he pushed for expedited support in commissioning this crucial project.
Naidu also pressed for “additional allocation” under the scheme designed to provide special assistance to states for capital investments in critical sectors like roads, bridges, irrigation, and drinking water projects. He also advocated for support for the economically backward regions of Andhra Pradesh similar to the Bundelkhand package.
Meeting With Piyush Goyal
Naidu also met Union Minister for Commerce and Industries Piyush Goyal, Union Minister for Roads Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Agriculture Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Chairman of the 16th Finance Commission Arvind Panagariya.
On the state’s fiscal situation, the Chief Minister said, “Andhra Pradesh continues to grapple with the repercussions of the unscientific, unfair, and unjust bifurcation of 2014.” Naidu also requested short-term financial handholding from the Centre, citing “indiscriminate borrowing” and “large scale diversion of monies” by the previous YS Jagan Mohan Reddy-led YSRCP government as reasons for the current resource scarcity.
Chandrababu Naidu’s Wishlist: Here’s what he has sought
From Amit Shah
- Requested Rs 385 crore for land acquisition to establish a Greyhounds training centre for the anti-Maoist force.
- Sought Rs 27.54 crore for operational costs.
- Advocated for increasing IPS officers from 79 to 117.
From Nitin Gadkari
Urged for the implementation of several road projects, including a new expressway connecting Hyderabad and Amaravati.
Naidu meets Sitharaman with wishlist
On Friday, the TDP chief met Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, pressing for enhanced financial support to the debt-burdened state. His meeting with Sitharaman assumes significance as she is going to present the Budget 2024-25 on July 23 in the Lok Sabha.
According to data from the Andhra Pradesh state government, the public debt as a percentage of Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) has risen from 31.02% in the fiscal year 2019-20 to 33.32% in the fiscal year 2023-24. This increase points to a deterioration in the fiscal health of the state over the past five years.
His key demands included funding for the Polavaram irrigation project, aid for underdeveloped regions, and assistance for the advancement of Amaravati, the new capital.
The Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister also met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Health Minister J P Nadda
FAQ’s:
Why did Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu spend two days in the nation’s capital?
Naidu spent two days in the capital to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and several Cabinet ministers to discuss issues concerning Andhra Pradesh and push for financial aid and infrastructure development.
What is the Polavaram Project, and why is it significant for Andhra Pradesh?
The Polavaram Project is a major national irrigation initiative crucial for Andhra Pradesh’s agricultural sector. Naidu sought expedited support from the Centre to commission this project.
What did Naidu discuss with Union Minister for Roads Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari? Naidu urged for the implementation of several road projects, including a new expressway connecting Hyderabad and Amaravati.
How significant is Naidu’s meeting with Nirmala Sitharaman in the context of the upcoming budget?
The meeting is significant because Sitharaman is scheduled to present the Budget 2024-25 on July 23 in the Lok Sabha, and Naidu’s requests could influence budget allocations for Andhra Pradesh.
What specific requests did Naidu make to Union Home Minister Amit Shah?
Naidu requested Rs 385 crore for land acquisition for a Greyhounds training centre, Rs 27.54 crore for operational costs, and an increase in IPS officers from 79 to 117.
