Andhra Pradesh on the path to recovery and growth, says Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu

“We are in an inspiring time and are witnessing development,” Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has said, expressing confidence that Andhra Pradesh is steadily moving towards recovery and growth.

Interacting with the media in the Legislative Assembly lobby after Finance Minister Payyavua Keshav presented the budget for 2026-27 on Saturday, Mr. Naidu said the government presented the best possible budget under the prevailing circumstances.

He noted that the State was still recovering from what he described as “destruction” of the previous regime and that it would take time to fully stabilise.

“We are just getting back on track. There are still many challenges. Low income and high expenditure are part of the legacy we inherited,” he observed, adding that the government was managing finances with the support of the Union government.

Mr. Naidu stressed that higher revenues must come from agriculture and the services sector. He pointed to the strong demand for Ongole milk and Anantapur fruits, saying their quality and taste were unmatched. He expressed confidence that within two to three years, the State would be in a stronger financial position and capable of presenting even better budget.

On Amaravati, Mr. Naidu said the capital city would take shape in the next few years, with roads being linked to national highways to boost connectivity and revenue. Infrastructure such as western bypass, inner ring road, and outer ring road would further enhance access, he added.

Highlighting Rayalaseema’s transformation, the Chief Minister said ₹30,000 crore was allocated to develop it as a horticulture hub.

Recalling the days when even drinking water and fodder had to be transported by train, he said projects like Handri-Neeva had changed the region’s fortunes, making it a hub for premium fruits, including pomegranate.

Mr. Naidu also said that MLAs were being assessed based on nine parameters to improve performance. He announced that Bill Gates would visit Amaravati in connection with the Sanjeevini programme, expressing confidence that Amaravati’s growth would mirror transformative urban success stories.