AP NDA leaders, entrepreneurs hail sops doled out to Andhra

Vijayawada: After admitting the fact that the granting Special Category Status (SCS) to Andhra Pradesh is a closed chapter, the TDP-led NDA Government and the industries' bodies described Tuesday as a most significant day with the Union Budget for 2024-25 announcing support for funding of Rs.15,000 crore for developing Amaravati, early completion of Polavaram national multipurpose project, give a push to two nodes under industrial corridors and unveil a special package for backward areas.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and TDP supremo in a posting on X said "on behalf of the people of Andhra Pradesh, I thank the Hon'ble Prime Minister, @narendramodi ji and Hon'ble Union Finance Minister, @nsitharaman ji, for recognising the needs of our State and focusing on a Capital, Polavaram, industrial nodes and development of backward areas in AP in the Union Budget of FY 24-25."

He said "this support from the Centre will go a long way towards rebuilding Andhra Pradesh. I congratulate you on the presentation of this progressive and confidence-boosting budget. #APBackOnTrack."

On expected lines, YSRCP, CPI, CPI (M) and Congress described the budget as disappointing and criticised Naidu for his failure in getting SCS despite dependence on the Modi Government on the crucial support of TDP's 16 Lok Sabha members and JSP's two members from AP.

In another post, IT Minister and Naidu's son Nara Lokesh stated:Nara Lokesh on X with a caption "A new sunrise for Andhra Pradesh," said "I am extremely delighted and grateful for the Union Finance Minister’s announcements today in the Budget. These will go a long way towards helping AP achieve its development and social objectives."

He remarked "It’s a matter of great pride for the people of Andhra Pradesh that our struggle has been recognised, and a special and holistic package has been provided covering all important areas like industrial growth, infrastructure, irrigation and HRD. I would like to make a special mention to the generous contribution made toward Amaravati and Polavaram. Today will be marked as a red letter day in the new state’s history. This is the first step towards our march together to building a state of our dreams."

AP Health Minister and BJP leader Satya Kumar Yadav said on X "heartfelt thanks to PM Shri @narendramodi Ji's govt for the incredible support to Andhra Pradesh! The Rs 15,000 crore allocation & additional funding for the new capital, announced in the Budget, show immense commitment. With backing for various projects, AP is set for unprecedented growth!"

The leaders of various industry bodies have praised sky high the announcements made for the development of AP. "The budget on the whole is AP as well as investor-friendly," CII Visakhapatnam zone chairman Rajesh Grandhi told Bizz Buzz.

Former president of FAPCCI C.V. Atchut Rao welcomed the importance given in the budget for providing much-needed support to AP which includes establishing capital city Amaravati, early completion of Polavaram project and support for fostering industrial development in the State.

He said "the proposal for multilateral financial aid to develop the new capital city will surely drive the momentum in construction activity over the next few years."