Union Budget's Major Boost to Andhra Pradesh: Rs 15,000 Crore for Amaravati

The Union Budget has allocated significant funds to Andhra Pradesh, including Rs 15,000 crore for the development of Amaravati. The allocations highlight the government's dependence on support from regional parties. Other budget promises include financial assistance for the Polavaram project and grants for backward districts as per the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act.

Amid growing calls for Special Category Status for Andhra Pradesh, the Union Budget has earmarked substantial funds for the state, including Rs 15,000 crore for Amaravati's development.

In anticipation of the budget, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu made several trips to Delhi to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah to discuss various requests.

The budget highlights the NDA government's reliance on crucial support from the Telugu Desam Party and actor Pawan Kalyan-led Janasena. The allocated funds are expected to revive the Amaravati project, stalled for five years under the YSRCP government.

Additional promises include financial support for the Polavaram irrigation project and the Backward Districts package, as mandated by the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014. Naidu expressed optimism about these developments in the assembly, noting that a complete Amaravati would be a significant asset for the state.

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had previously pledged special category status to Andhra Pradesh for five years. Political analyst P Pulla Rao noted that the Union Budget largely met public expectations, navigating the political challenges faced by the NDA government.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman reiterated the Centre’s commitment to swiftly completing the Polavaram project and promoting industrial development in backward regions of Andhra Pradesh as per the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act.