Telugu Desam Party (TDP) Chief N. Chandrababu Naidu has presented a eclectic wish list to the Central government, focusing on substantial development projects and financial support for Andhra Pradesh. Here are the key points from his request:
- Amaravati Development: Naidu is determined to revive his earlier plan of developing Amaravati as the greenfield capital of Andhra Pradesh. He has requested a grant of ₹15,000 crore for completing office buildings and other infrastructure in Amaravati.
- Polavaram Project: He seeks additional funds to expedite the completion of the Polavaram irrigation and power project on the Godavari River, which has been a long-term goal for Naidu. This project requires incremental annual grants for its completion.
- Welfare Programs: Naidu’s administration plans to implement the ‘Super Six’ welfare promises made during the election campaign. This includes tweaking and renaming some of the existing welfare schemes initiated by his predecessor, Jagan Mohan Reddy, to manage the fiscal burden better.
- Infrastructure Projects: The state government is also seeking central grants for several other infrastructure projects. These include the construction of the Ramayapatnam port, an integrated steel plant in Kadapa, a crude oil refinery and petroleum corridor, a new railway zone, industrial parks, and mega textile and aqua parks. Additionally, there are plans for nodes on the Visakhapatnam-Chennai and Hyderabad-Bengaluru industrial corridors, a green energy corridor, and an agriculture university.
- Economic Support: The Andhra Pradesh government has requested that the state receive support under the States Economic Development Assistance scheme, considering its financial constraints post-reorganization in 2014 and the liabilities left by the previous administration.
- Political Strategy: Naidu’s TDP remains a crucial ally of the NDA, having secured 16 Lok Sabha seats. His strategic position could influence the central government’s decisions on these requests. He has also expressed interest in reviving the demand for special category status for Andhra Pradesh.
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Naidu’s approach reflects his intent to strengthen his legacy and ensure a robust economic and infrastructural foundation for Andhra Pradesh, while also navigating the political dynamics with the central government to secure necessary support.