Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a meeting in New Delhi on Wednesday. Union Ministers K. Rammohan Naidu, Pemmasani Chandrasekhar and Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma and Telugu Desam Parliamentary Party leader Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu were also seen.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his residence in New Delhi on Wednesday and discussed a wide range of issues including the resumption of Amaravati and Polavaram projects, and the progress achieved since the NDA allies assumed office in the State in June 2024.
Mr. Naidu sought financial assistance for these two key projects from the Central government. He also highlighted how funds for 94 Centrally-sponsored schemes were diverted by the previous government, and informed Mr. Modi that 74 of those schemes have resumed.
Mr. Modi also apprised the Prime Minister of Arcelor Mittal’s proposal to set up a steel plant Andhra Pradesh. He sought the necessary clearances from the Centre and supply of raw material.
Revenue deficit grant
The Chief Minister pointed out that the previous YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) government had exhausted the revenue deficit grant meant for five years within three years, and requested Mr. Modi to extend additional financial assistance.
Mr. Naidu explained the State’s plans and development strategies laid down in the ‘Swarnandhra Vision 2047’ document and requested the Central government’s support for its implementation.
Mr. Naidu also discussed the major projects scheduled for inauguration and foundation-laying by the Prime Minister during his visit to the State in January 2025.
Earlier, Mr. Naidu participated in the NDA meeting at BJP national president J.P. Nadda’s residence. He met Union Steel Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy and discussed steps to be taken for strengthening the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant.
Mr. Naidu also had an interaction with Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw over the laying the foundation for the south coastal railway zone headquarters in Visakhapatnam. They also discussed various railway projects including connectivity to Amaravati.
The Chief Minister met Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and discussed the release of Central funds to various departments. He sought special financial assistance to overcome the fund crunch.
Andhra Pradesh Finance Minister Payyavula Keshav, Union Ministers K. Rammohan Naidu, Pemmasani Chandrasekhar and Bhupathiraju Srinivas Varma and Telugu Desam Parliamentary Party leader Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu were present.
In the morning, Mr. Naidu paid tributes to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee at his memorial ‘Sadaiv Atal’ on the latter’s birth centenary.
Published – December 25, 2024 11:35 pm IST