Naidu Wishes, Modi Grants. What Andhra CM Got From Union Budget For 'Unconditional' Support To NDA

Union Budget 2024: FM Nirmala Sitharaman allocated Rs 15,000 crore for the development of Andhra Pradesh's capital Amravati, addressing a key demand from its ally, TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu.

Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu had earlier said that his only point of grouse with PM Modi-led NDA was the non-allotment of a 'Special Package'.

Source : PTI

One of the most anticipated aspects of Union Budget 2024 was the announcement of a special package for Andhra Pradesh as demanded by 'kingmaker' CM Chandrababu Naidu. One of the two key allies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu, had sought a special package for Andhra Pradesh as the treasury was allegedly left in tatters by his predecessor Jagan Mohan Reddy.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday allotted Rs 15,000 crore to Andhra Pradesh to help develop its capital Amravati. This was one of the key demands of Naidu during his pre-Budget meeting with Home Minister Amit Shah.

Sitharaman, who is presenting her seventh straight Budget, said that the Centre is aware of Andhra Pradesh's need to develop a capital and is willing to provide support via various development agencies. "Our government has made concerted efforts to fulfill the commitments to the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act. Recognising the state's need for a capital, we will facilitate support through multilateral development agencies. In the current financial year, Rs 15,000 crore will be arranged with additional amounts in future years," she said.

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… pic.twitter.com/xLQNQ9npZs

— Satya Kumar Yadav (@satyakumar_y) July 23, 2024

She also said that the Centre was committed to seeing the completion of the Polavaram irrigation project. She said the project would also ensure India's food security.

Reacting to the special package to Andhra Pradesh, Congress said the state received its special package 6 years after the "drama" of Chandrababu Naidu quitting the NDA over the same issue. "In 2018, Chandrababu Naidu garu quit the NDA because of the non-biological PM’s failure to grant Andhra Pradesh Special Category Status. Six years after the drama, at a time when the Government is reliant on his MPs for support, all he has managed to get is 'special financial support' for Amravati," Congress leader Jairam Ramesh posted on X.

In 2018, Chandrababu Naidu garu quit the NDA becuase of the non-biological PM’s failure to grant Andhra Pradesh Special Category Status. Six years after the drama, at a time when the Government is reliant on his MPs for support, all he has managed to get is “special financial…

— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) July 23, 2024