Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu Seeks Central Assistance for State Development

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has sought special financial assistance from the Central Government to support key developmental projects in Andhra Pradesh. Naidu, who attended the NDA partner coordination meeting in Delhi on Wednesday, held discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior union ministers, urging their cooperation in addressing the state’s financial challenges.

The meetings come amid reports that preparations for the next Union Budget are underway. The Telugu Desam Party (TDP), a crucial ally in the NDA coalition, had previously secured central funds in the form of a soft loan for Amaravati and assistance for the Polavaram multipurpose project, both of which remain top priorities for the Naidu government.

During his meeting with the Prime Minister, Naidu highlighted the financial setbacks caused by the previous state administration, which had misappropriated funds meant for 94 centrally sponsored schemes. He noted that the state government had successfully relaunched 74 of these programs but required additional support to stabilize the financial system and continue development initiatives.

Naidu also sought Central cooperation for the establishment of an ArcelorMittal Steel Plant in Andhra Pradesh. He requested assistance in securing raw material supplies, obtaining necessary permissions, and resolving technical hurdles to expedite the plant's construction.

The Chief Minister expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Modi for the financial aid provided for the Polavaram project and Amaravati’s development. Naidu emphasized the importance of these projects for the state's growth and reiterated his government’s commitment to their timely completion.

In subsequent meetings with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Naidu detailed the state’s precarious financial condition and the efforts underway to address these challenges. He urged the Centre to provide additional assistance in light of Andhra Pradesh’s pressing economic needs.

The discussions reflect Andhra Pradesh’s ongoing pursuit of collaborative efforts with the Centre to overcome fiscal constraints and achieve its developmental goals.