New Delhi: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to expedite the release of funds allocated to the state in the Union Budget presented on July 23. During his two-day visit to Delhi, Naidu met with PM Modi, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and Home Minister Amit Shah, emphasizing the need for swift financial support for key state projects.
In a one-hour meeting at PM Modi’s official residence, Naidu discussed the urgent release of funds for the Polavaram project and the construction of Amaravati. He expressed gratitude for the budget allocations but stressed the importance of timely fund disbursement to ensure the projects’ completion on schedule. The Chief Minister also highlighted the need for financial assistance as per the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, specifically for infrastructure development in Rayalaseema, Prakasam, and Uttarandhra districts.
Naidu’s discussions with Finance Minister Sitharaman and Steel and Heavy Industries Minister Kumaraswamy focused on the future of Visakha Steel Plant. Naidu appealed for the halting of disinvestment proceedings and the merger of the plant with SAIL, underlining the emotional significance of the plant to the people of Andhra Pradesh.
The meetings also addressed the construction of the Polavaram project’s diaphragm wall. Naidu urged coordination between Central and State Water Resources departments for the approval and speedy execution of the wall’s construction, following recommendations from central government experts.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by several Union Ministers and senior TDP leaders, all of whom reported positive responses from the central government on the state’s issues.
