Delhi : The Telegu Desam Party (TDP), the second-largest constituent of the BJP-led NDA government, has reportedly laid out three demands for the upcoming Budget 2024. These include budgetary grants for backward districts, financial support for building Amaravati into the capital city, and timely release of funds for the Polavaram irrigation project.
TDP General Secretary and Andhra Pradesh’s HRD and IT Minister, Nara Lokesh, stated that these demands are not out of turn but simply the fulfillment of “promises” made for accelerating the state’s development.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu met Union Home Minister Amit Shah to press for substantial budget allocations for the state. The TDP is particularly pushing for grants for backward districts including Anantapur, Chittoor, Cuddapah, Kurnool, Srikakulam, Visakhapatnam, and Vizianagaram.
Lokesh stressed the need for the Centre’s support, especially given the challenges following the 2014 bifurcation, which led to the creation of Telangana and left Andhra Pradesh without its economic powerhouse, Hyderabad. Despite the push for various funds and projects, the TDP has reportedly decided not to press for special status for Andhra Pradesh. The TDP is hopeful for the announcement of a petrochemical hub and an oil refinery in the state in the upcoming budget.
