Naidu presses Centre for statutory backing to Amaravati, financial support

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday held crucial meetings with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, strongly pressing the Union government to provide statutory backing to Amaravati as the State’s capital and seeking sustained Central support for Andhra Pradesh’s financial and developmental priorities.

Chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu meeting Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi on Tuesday.

The Chief Minister’s Office did not divulge details of the meetings.

According to information available, Mr. Naidu discussed the legal status of Amaravati with the Union Home Minister, particularly in the backdrop of the Centre’s decision to introduce a Bill in Parliament to give statutory backing to the capital.

It is learnt that the Chief Minister urged the Centre to introduce the Bill during the second phase of the Budget Session, underlining that legal clarity on the capital was vital for administrative stability, long-term planning and restoring investor confidence, which had been severely eroded over the past five years.

Mr. Naidu conveyed that prolonged uncertainty over the capital had adversely impacted governance and development, and stressed that statutory backing for Amaravati would send a strong signal of stability and continuity, both nationally and internationally.

The discussions are also learnt to have covered broader political and administrative issues concerning the State. Political developments reportedly figured prominently, including the latest developments in the Tirupati laddu controversy. Mr. Naidu is believed to have briefed the Union Home Minister on the Special Investigation Team charge sheet and the political implications arising out of the issue, which has generated intense debate in the State.

In his meeting with the Union Finance Minister at Parliament House, the Chief Minister sought enhanced Central financial assistance for key infrastructure and development projects in Andhra Pradesh. The discussions revolved around the State’s fiscal position, pending Central dues and the need for continued financial support to accelerate growth and rebuild confidence in the State’s economy.

The recent recommendation of the 16th Finance Commission to scrap Revenue Deficit Grants, which found mention in the Union Budget, also came up for discussion. It is learnt that Mr. Naidu raised the issue while explaining the State’s fiscal position to the Union Finance Minister.

Mr. Naidu also discussed the need for sustained Central cooperation for major public sector and strategic assets in Andhra Pradesh. He specifically requested the Union Government to continue extending the same level of support to Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited, stressing that consistent backing was essential to ensure its long-term sustainability, revival and growth.