Congress Questions Naidu's Gain for Andhra in Latest Budget Allocation

The Congress on Tuesday criticised TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu for quitting the NDA in 2018 due to the Centre's failure to grant special category status to Andhra Pradesh. Six years later, despite the government's reliance on his MPs, he has only secured special financial support for Amaravati.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, while presenting the Union Budget 2024-25, announced several measures for Andhra Pradesh. These include arranging Rs 15,000 crore this fiscal year and in future years for the development of the state's capital city. The government will also facilitate special financial support for Amaravati's development.

Congress Criticises Naidu

Reacting to these developments, Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said, "In 2018, Chandrababu Naidu garu quit the NDA because of the non-biological PM’s failure to grant Andhra Pradesh Special Category Status. Six years after the drama, at a time when the Government is reliant on his MPs for support, all he has managed to get is special financial support for Amravati."

Ramesh questioned why it took ten years to announce what was already committed in the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014. He pointed out that every year since 1947, the Union Government has allocated funds in the budget. This time, Rs 15,000 crore will be arranged for developing Amaravati. "Arranged, not allocated. And what is Rs 15,000 crores? Just three gala weddings," he remarked.

Budget Allocations and Commitments

In addition to financial support for Amaravati, the Union Budget also allocated over Rs 3 lakh crore for schemes benefiting women and girls. The government reaffirmed its commitment to completing and financing the Polavaram irrigation project. A backward region grant was also announced for three districts of Andhra Pradesh.

The Telugu Desam Party (TDP), a key ally of the BJP at the Centre, has been vocal about their demands. Political parties from Andhra Pradesh have repeatedly protested since 2014, demanding special category status for the state. This status provides regions or states with special assistance through tax benefits and financial support for development.

Ramesh further criticised Naidu by quoting Mahatma Gandhi's remark on the Cripps Mission in 1942: "This is a post-dated cheque on a crashing bank." He added that Naidu had been taken for "a right royal ride."

Chandrababu Naidu is currently serving as the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. Despite his efforts and political manoeuvring, securing only financial support instead of special category status has been seen as a limited achievement by critics.

The announcement of Rs 15,000 crore for Amaravati's development has sparked debates about its adequacy and timing. Critics argue that more substantial commitments were expected given the prolonged demands and protests from Andhra Pradesh's political parties.

The government's measures aim to address some of Andhra Pradesh's developmental needs but fall short of granting special category status. The ongoing political discourse highlights the complexities and challenges in meeting regional demands within national frameworks.

The recent budget announcements reflect an attempt to balance regional aspirations with national priorities. However, whether these measures will satisfy long-standing demands remains uncertain as political dynamics continue to evolve in Andhra Pradesh and beyond.