Union Minister for Urban Development M. Venkaiah Naidu on Friday said the Centre would accord all sorts of support for overall development of Andhra Pradesh, as the State suffered huge loss due to the division that took place in a hasty manner.
Addressing media persons here, Mr. Naidu faulted the United Progressive Alliance government for not following the system that was in vogue while carving out Telangana State from Andhra Pradesh. “As a result, the new Andhra Pradesh State is encountering several problems. Due to some administrative reasons, it is not possible for the Centre to accord special State status immediately. But, the Centre would accord all sorts of support for the overall development of this State,” he said.
PriorityStating that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was giving top priority to development and good governance, Mr. Naidu said the Opposition parties had no right to criticise the government. “The GDP has risen from 4.6 to 5 points in a short span of six months. We are confident that very soon it would reach 6.7 points,” he said, adding that people were very much aware of the number of scams that took place during the UPA regime. “With reference to the Andhra Pradesh, the Centre is keen on developing industrial corridor between Visakhapatnam and Chennai. Priority would be given to this State with regard to the allocation of projects,” he said.
Showering praises on Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu for implementing the farm loan waiver announced in the election manifesto, Mr. Naidu said it was quite an unexpected move when the financial position of the State was kept in mind. “Even during the toughest period, Mr. Chandrababu Naidu kept his word and waived farm loans. We are sure that interests of farmers would be fully protected even during the construction of the capital city,” he said.
Home Minister N. Chinna Rajappa and TDP MLC Boddu Bhaskara Rama Rao welcomed Mr. Venkaiah Naidu.