Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday said development of the State and welfare of all sections of society was possible only with the TDP government.
He was addressing the ‘grama sabha’ organised as part of the Janamabhoomi - Maa Vooru programme at Pogiri village in Rajam Assembly constituency in the district.
Interacting with the villagers after a roadshow, Mr. Naidu said his government had fulfilled most of the promises made in the run-up to the 2014 elections. He also sought to know from them about the implementation of various government schemes in the village.
‘Injustice done to State’
Stating that he would continue to strive for the development of the State despite the “hurdles” being created by the opposition parties, Mr. Naidu lashed out at the Union government for doing a lot of injustice to the State by denying what was legitimately due to it such as funds, Special Category Status (SCS), railway zone etc.
“We are unable to make payments immediately to the NREGS workers because of the inordinate delay in the release of funds by the Central government,” Mr. Naidu alleged.
“In spite of the non-cooperation from the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre, we have been striving to put the State on the path of development. We have been able to complete many irrigation projects. Efforts will be made to construct the capital city, Amaravati, with own resources as funds sanctioned by the Centre are not sufficient,” he asserted.
Promising to develop the district by completing all pending irrigation projects on a war-footing, Mr. Naidu said top priority would be accorded to Vamsadhara Phase II, Thotapalli and other projects.
Growth in agriculture
Stating that the government had taken a series of steps to ensure the welfare of the farmers, he said farm mechanisation was a step in that direction. This apart, the government was encouraging zero budget natural farming (ZBNF) to minimise cost of cultivation and protect nature.
“We have registered 11% growth in agriculture in spite of 32% deficit rainfall. We are adopting technology for optimum utilisation of the existing water resources. That is why farmers are happy,” said Mr. Naidu.
A majority of the people were happy with the schemes such as Pelli Kanuka, Balamritam, NTR Housing, loan waiver etc.
MP and former Union Minister P. Ashok Gajapathi Rau said the backward regions witnessed rapid development, thanks to the vision of the Chief Minister. He alleged that the opposition parties were creating hurdles to damage the reputation of the TDP government.
Earlier, Ministers K. Atchannaidu and K. Kala Venkata Rao, and former Minister K. Muralimohan explained Mr. Naidu the political situation in Rajam and other Assembly constituencies in the district.
Mr. Naidu reportedly suggested that they work in tandem to ensure the victory of the party in the district.
