Centre’s assistance of Rs 3 lakh crore and counting..

Central support helped Andhra Pradesh move from a “ventilator state” to relative stability. Naidu also urged the central government to support the Godavari-Banaka Challa river interlinking project

metro india news  I AMARAVATI

Union Minister of Home Affairs Amit Shah came hard on the previous government accusing it of causing extensive destruction, which he likened to a human-made disaster but added that the NDA coalition had stepped in to rebuild and revitalize the state. He highlighted the central government’s commitment to Andhra Pradesh’s progress, citing financial assistance of Rs.3 lakh crore provided over the past six months. He was speaking at the 20th Foundation Day celebrations of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) held in Kondapavuluru, Krishna district.

“Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, Andhra Pradesh will achieve threefold progress,” said Shah. Among the key initiatives mentioned, he noted Rs.11,440 crore package for the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, emphasizing its significance as a symbol of Andhra Pradesh’s pride.

“Amit Shah’s strategic thinking and innovative governance have been instrumental in addressing issues ranging from terrorism to disaster management,” said Naidu. “His tireless efforts inspire leaders like me to adopt innovative approaches for development,” said AP Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu.

The Chief Minister recounted the devastation caused by the 2014 state bifurcation and the financial mismanagement of the previous government. Despite inheriting a debt burden of Rs.10 lakh crore, Naidu highlighted the state’s progress, attributing much of it to central support, which helped Andhra Pradesh move from a “ventilator state” to relative stability.

Naidu also urged the central government to support the Godavari-Banaka Challa river interlinking project, emphasizing its potential to make the state drought-free.

Commitment to Amaravati

Amit Shah also criticised the previous government for neglecting the Amaravati capital project. He reaffirmed the NDA’s commitment to Amaravati, where a Rs.27,000 crore allocation was sanctioned through HUDCO for the development of Amaravati as the state capital. He further stated that he had discussions with Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu regarding the Polavaram project, which he promised would provide water to the entire state by 2028.

The Union Minister underscored Prime Minister Modi’s steadfast support for Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu in ensuring Andhra Pradesh’s development. Shah also revealed that Visakhapatnam has attracted Rs.2 lakh crore in green hydrogen investments and that the Visakhapatnam railway zone has been operationalized, enhancing the state’s infrastructure and economy.

NDRF role On this occasion, he also applauded the NDRF’s role in disaster management, both domestically and internationally, highlighting their interventions during calamities in Japan, Turkey, and Nepal.

Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu echoed Amit Shah’s sentiments, praising the central government for its unwavering support in overcoming the state’s challenges. He particularly lauded Amit Shah’s leadership in maintaining law and order across the country.

NDRF’s pivotal role in disaster management and an assurance that both the state and central governments would continue to work collaboratively for Andhra Pradesh’s development. As the NDRF celebrated two decades of service, both Amit Shah and Chandrababu Naidu emphasized the importance of resilience, preparedness, and innovation in building a stronger Andhra Pradesh and India.

Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to achieving Prime Minister Modi’s Vision-2047, positioning India as a global leader by the centenary of independence. “By 2047, India will emerge as the world’s number one nation, and Andhra Pradesh will align its goals with this national aspiration,” said Naidu.