In a significant development for Andhra Pradesh, Chief Minister and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) supremo Chandrababu Naidu has announced that a Bill is likely to be introduced in Parliament during the upcoming budget session to provide legal sanctity to Amaravati as the capital of the state. This revelation came during the Telugu Desam Parliamentary Party meeting held at the camp office in Vijayawada on Sunday, where Naidu outlined a comprehensive strategy for the state's interests in the national legislature.
Strategic Directions for Parliamentary Session
Naidu chaired the meeting and directed party MPs to intensify their efforts to mobilize Central funds for both ongoing and proposed development works in Andhra Pradesh. He emphasized the need for MPs to remain alert during the forthcoming Parliament budget session, scheduled from January 28 to April 2, to safeguard the state's interests effectively. The Chief Minister outlined key issues to be prioritized and asked MPs to engage proactively with Union ministers and senior officials.
Proactive Engagement and Fund Mobilization
During the session, MPs were instructed to take direct responsibility for securing funds for priority projects and constituency-specific issues. Naidu highlighted that special packages for the backward North Andhra and Rayalaseema regions, the Purvodaya initiative, and the Polavaram–Nallamala Sagar projects must be treated as top priorities. He stressed that during the budget presentation, MPs should ensure adequate allocations for Andhra Pradesh projects, noting that revised estimates for the Polavaram project have already been submitted.
Focus on Polavaram and Development Projects
Naidu pointed out that apart from construction, rehabilitation and resettlement for the Polavaram project must be completed. He revealed that an additional ₹12,000 crore is yet to be released by the Centre and stated that completing Polavaram before the Godavari Pushkarams in June 2027 would be ideal. Furthermore, he mentioned that development works worth ₹40,000 crore are planned under the Purvodaya project, including a proposal for a 4-lane railway line from Ichchapuram to Tada, urging MPs to tap Railways' funds effectively.
Inter-State Relations and Parliamentary Strategy
Addressing inter-state dynamics, Naidu said there is no need for disputes with neighboring states. He directed MPs to firmly present Andhra Pradesh's case in Parliament, pointing out that the state never objected to Telangana's Kaleshwaram project or diversion of Manjira waters, and that objections to Nallamala Sagar permissions are unjustified. The CM also cautioned that no action should undermine alliance objectives, either in Parliament or on the ground, and asked MPs to closely track bifurcation commitments, national highway expansion, and Sagarmala projects.
Countering Opposition and Alliance Coordination
Naidu instructed MPs to counter opposition criticism of NDA programmes while maintaining a collaborative approach. He observed that MPs of Jana Sena and BJP were also invited to the next meeting with MPs in order to get more projects to the state, indicating a strategic move to strengthen alliances for Andhra Pradesh's benefit. The meeting was attended by key TDP leaders, including TDP national general secretary and HRD minister Nara Lokesh, TDPP leader Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu, and TDP state unit president Palla Srinivasa Rao.
Operational Directives for MPs
In addition to parliamentary duties, Naidu instructed all MPs to participate virtually in the district collectors' conference to be held in February, ensuring coordination at the grassroots level. He emphasized that the acceleration of Amaravati construction is underway, with the second phase set to begin soon, reinforcing the state's commitment to establishing a permanent capital.
Overall, Naidu's directives aim to position Andhra Pradesh favorably in the national arena, leveraging parliamentary sessions to secure resources and legal backing for key initiatives like Amaravati's capital status and major infrastructure projects.
