VIJAYAWADA: Chief Minister and TDP leader Chandrababu Naidu announced that a Bill will likely be introduced in Parliament during the budget session to formally recognize Amaravati as the capital of Andhra Pradesh. He urged party MPs to intensify efforts to secure Central funds for ongoing and proposed development projects in the state and to remain vigilant during the upcoming budget session to safeguard Andhra Pradesh’s interests.
Naidu chaired a meeting of the Telugu Desam Parliamentary Party at his camp office on Sunday, where he outlined key issues to be addressed during the budget session planned from January 28 to April 2. He encouraged MPs to engage actively with Union ministers and senior officials, taking responsibility for securing funds for priority projects and addressing constituency-specific concerns.
The Chief Minister instructed all MPs to participate virtually in the district collectors’ conference scheduled for February. He emphasized prioritizing special packages for the underdeveloped North Andhra and Rayalaseema regions, along with initiatives like Purvodaya and the Polavaram–Nallamala Sagar projects.
During the budget presentation, MPs were reminded to advocate for adequate allocations for AP projects. The CM reported that revised estimates for the Polavaram project were submitted, emphasizing that both construction and rehabilitation must be completed. He highlighted that an additional ₹12,000 crore is pending release from the Centre, aiming for the completion of Polavaram before the Godavari Pushkarams in June 2027.
Naidu further stated that disputes with neighboring states should be avoided. He urged MPs to firmly present Andhra Pradesh’s case in Parliament, noting that the state never objected to Telangana’s Kaleshwaram project or the diversion of Manjira waters, deeming objections against Nallamala Sagar permissions as unwarranted. He confirmed that construction in Amaravati is progressing, with the second phase set to commence soon. Development works totaling ₹40,000 crore are planned under the Purvodaya initiative, which includes a proposal for a four-lane railway line connecting Ichchapuram to Tada, encouraging MPs to effectively access Railway funds.
Naidu emphasized the need to ensure that actions do not hinder alliance objectives, both in Parliament and on the ground. He advised MPs to monitor bifurcation commitments, national highway expansions, and Sagarmala projects, while countering opposition critiques of NDA schemes. He noted the inclusion of Jana Sena and BJP MPs in the next meeting to foster additional projects for the state. Attendees included TDP’s National General Secretary and HRD Minister Nara Lokesh, TDPP Leader Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu, and TDP State Unit President Palla Srinivasa Rao.
