Chandrababu Naidu assures Andhra of support in special package, says Nirmala Sitharaman in Budget 2024.

The Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, downplayed the significant financial package for Andhra Pradesh, a state governed by ally Chandrababu Naidu. She stated that the package merely highlighted ongoing work to reassure the newly elected government and responded to the loud complaints from opposition-ruled states.

Ms. Sitharaman, in an exclusive interview with state broadcaster Doordarshan, drew parallels with the lack of mention of the UPA’s flagship MNREGA rural employment scheme, emphasizing that these initiatives will continue despite not being highlighted in the budget speech. She addressed the special packages for Bihar and Andhra Pradesh, highlighting the requirements under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act.

She also mentioned ongoing projects such as the Polavaram project in Andhra Pradesh, emphasizing the government’s support for national projects and the reassurance given to the newly elected Andhra Pradesh government. Both Bihar and Andhra Pradesh, which aim for special category state status, received significant allocations in the budget.

The Telugu Desam Party, led by Mr. Naidu, welcomed the allocation for Andhra Pradesh as essential for the state’s development, emphasizing its necessity beyond political considerations. Opposition-ruled states expressed discontent with the budget, with four Chief Ministers announcing their decision to skip the upcoming Niti Aayog meeting.

Siddaramaiah, the Chief Minister of Karnataka, criticized the budget for neglecting the state’s essential needs and raised concerns about discrimination and the violation of federal principles. Overall, Ms. Sitharaman’s remarks and the responses from various states reflect the ongoing discussions and debates surrounding the budget allocations, especially in the context of states’ specific demands and concerns.