metro india news  I amaravati

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday launched a sharp attack on the previous government over the capital issue, asserting that Amaravati alone is the capital of Andhra Pradesh and that the prolonged uncertainty of the past five years has finally come to an end.

Addressing party leaders and cadres at the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) central office in Mangalagiri on the 30th death anniversary of party founder and former Chief Minister Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (NTR), Chandrababu Naidu said the people of the State had delivered a decisive verdict against the confusion created over the capital.

“Does the place where a Chief Minister stays become the capital? If that were the case, when the former Chief Minister spent most of his time in Bengaluru, should that city have been declared the capital?” Chandrababu remarked sarcastically, drawing loud applause from party workers.

He said the previous rulers had plunged the State into administrative and economic paralysis by promoting the concept of three capitals. “For five years, the people of Andhra Pradesh lived without clarity on where their capital was. But the public has given a crystal-clear mandate. Even in regions where the slogan of three capitals was raised loudly, people voted overwhelmingly for NDA candidates. There is no room for doubt anymore. If anyone asks what the capital of Andhra Pradesh is, we should proudly say, Amaravati,” he declared.

Paying rich tributes to NTR, Chandrababu Naidu described him as a towering figure who would forever remain etched in the hearts of Telugu people. “Though NTR left us physically 30 years ago, his spirit continues to guide us. He restored the self-respect of Telugu people who were once derisively called ‘Madrasis’ and elevated their pride to heights,” he said.

The Chief Minister said the welfare philosophy of his government is deeply rooted in the ideals introduced by NTR. “He revolutionised food security by providing rice at Rs 2 per kilogram.

Today, we are continuing that legacy through Anna Canteens by offering nutritious meals at just Rs 5,” he said.

He pointed out that pensions, which began at Rs 35 during NTR’s tenure, have now been enhanced to Rs 4,000 per month to ensure dignity for senior citizens and the vulnerable. “We are also building permanent houses for the poor. Recently, three lakh families celebrated housewarming ceremonies, and by Ugadi, another five lakh homes will be completed,” he announced.

He added that new title deed passbooks bearing the State emblem are being issued and that re-survey operations would be completed scientifically. “With blockchain and QR-code technology, land records will be made tamper-proof,” the Chief Minister assured.

Stating that economic growth and job creation are central to the government’s agenda, Chandrababu said Andhra Pradesh is currently attracting nearly 25 percent of the total investments entering the country.

Referring to the foundation stone laid recently for the AM Green Ammonia project in Kakinada, he said it reflected the growing confidence of global investors in the State. “This is the capability of Telugu people. Yet some are calling it ‘credit theft’,” he remarked.

He criticised the previous government for stalling key infrastructure projects, including the Bhogapuram International Airport, despite the acquisition of nearly 2,500 acres of land during the TDP regime. “They branded Amaravati as a graveyard. Their only achievements were sand, liquor, mining, drugs and ganja,” he alleged.