Development of Andhra major focus in Budget, says state BJP chief Purandeswari

New Delhi [India], July 23 (ANI): Andhra Pradesh Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Daggubati Purandeswari said that the central government has allocated Rs 15,000 crore for the current fiscal year in the Union Budget 2024-25, indicating a significant emphasis on the development of the southern state.
"The development of Andhra Pradesh has been given major focus here in the Union Budget...The construction of Amaravati will be completely supported by the Central government...For the past 10 years, we have been there without a proper capital," Purandeswari told ANI in response to the Centre's special focus on the state in the Union Budget.
She also said that the Centre will also support the construction of the Polavaram project, the lifeline of Andhra Pradesh, which has been declared a national project.
Highlighting that infrastructure is very important for the progress of any state, the BJP leader stated that the Vizag-Chennai corridor is being supported (by the Centre), "but of course, the state government will have to be very forthcoming and bear their share as well in this."
The BJP leader said that the Centre has recognised, in the Union Budget, apart from seven districts, Prakasam as a backward district, "a genuine demand that has been standing for a very, very long time."
Andhra Pradesh was given a special focus in the Union Budget, with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announcing special financial support to address the state's need for capital. She emphasised efforts to fulfil commitments under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, declaring an allocation of Rs 15,000 crore for the current fiscal year, with additional amounts to follow in future years.
"Our government has made concerted efforts to fulfil the commitments in the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act. Recognising the state's need for capital, we will facilitate special financial support to multilateral development agencies. In the current FY, Rs 15000 crore will be arranged, with an additional amount in future years," Sitharaman said in her Budget speech in Parliament on Tuesday.
The Finance Minister also stated that the central government is committed to financing and early completion of the crucial Polavaram project in Andhra Pradesh as it facilitates food security in the country.
"Our government is fully committed to financing and early completion of the Polavaram irrigation project, which is the lifeline for Andhra Pradesh and its farmers. This will facilitate our country's food security as well," Sitharaman said. (ANI)