Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu.
New Delhi: Ahead of the presentation of the Union Budget, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Friday met Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and sought financial help for the debt-ridden state. According to sources, in the meeting held in North Block, Naidu highlighted various ongoing projects in Andhra Pradesh that need immediate central assistance. “The chief minister submitted a detailed memorandum outlining the state’s financial requirements and the rationale behind seeking an increase in allocation,” sources said.
TDP ministers were also present in the meeting
Sources said that Telugu Desam Party ministers at the Centre also attended the meeting. According to state government data, Andhra Pradesh’s public debt has increased from 31.02 per cent of gross state domestic product (GSDP) in 2019-20 to 33.32 per cent in FY 2023-24. This indicates a deterioration in the state’s fiscal position in the last 5 years. Naidu’s key demands include funds for the Polavaram irrigation project, special assistance for backward areas and support for the development of the new capital Amaravati. Naidu also met BJP national president JP Nadda on Friday.
Naidu also met PM Modi
Sources said Sitharaman heard Naidu’s concerns patiently and assured him that she would consider Andhra Pradesh’s demands within the broader fiscal constraints. Naidu has been vocal about the state’s financial crisis. He sought enhanced central assistance to deal with fiscal challenges during his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several Union ministers on Thursday. Naidu-led TDP is a key ally in the NDA. Its 16 Lok Sabha MPs are supporting the Narendra Modi-led government.
Latest India News
