Minister for Industries and IT, Gudivada Amarnath, who is contesting from the Gajuwaka Assembly constituency in the upcoming general elections on May 13, has expressed steadfast confidence in securing the seat, dismissing the TDP-BJP-JSP combine’s allegations against him as false propaganda.
Addressing concerns about being labelled as an outsider, Minister Amarnath reaffirmed his deep connection to the constituency, citing his familial ties and his grandfather’s pivotal role in initiating industrialization in the area. “I was born and raised here, with my family’s roots deeply embedded in Gajuwaka. My grandfather’s contributions to the industrial growth of this region are well-known, laying the foundation for its development,” stated Amarnath in an exclusive conversation with The Pioneer.
Commenting on the strategic shift of constituencies, the Minister highlighted party chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy’s astute decision-making, emphasizing the importance of Gajuwaka as an industrial hub and his suitability for representing it. Responding to queries about support from fellow party members, Amarnath affirmed a united front, stating, “We are working together towards victory, with the full support of other ticket aspirants in the segment.”
In rebuttal to criticism regarding development, the Minister enumerated various initiatives undertaken by the YSRCP government, including the Bhogapuram Greenfield Airport and beach beautification projects, asserting their commitment to the city’s progress. Regarding the contentious issue of privatization of the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP), Minister Amarnath reiterated the government’s staunch opposition and efforts to safeguard its integrity, emphasizing Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy’s comprehensive proposal to the Union government.
Expressing his vision for Gajuwaka’s future, Amarnath said “For the first time, we have introduced a vision-oriented manifesto aimed at comprehending Gajuwaka’s evolving needs and challenges.” This manifesto, with its emphasis on industrial development, environmental sustainability, youth empowerment, and infrastructure enhancement, delineates a forward-looking trajectory for the future of the constituency.
At the core of the Gajuwaka 3.0 manifesto lies the commitment to skill development initiatives designed to align local talent with the demands of various industries. “We are dedicated to establishing vocational, degree, and polytechnic colleges, in addition to coaching centres and digital libraries, to foster educational excellence and entrepreneurship,” Amarnath affirmed. Furthermore, Amarnath expressed his intention to fortify the local economy by providing support to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and small businesses through an incubation program, while also advocating for indigenous products. “Our vision encompasses the creation of centres of excellence for digital media studios, clean manufacturing units, e-waste recycling, and biodegradable packaging, aiming to promote a sustainable circular economy,” he added.
Amarnath stated that he wants to transform the Gajuwaka Assembly constituency into a thriving centre of development, with the help of the Chief Minister’s helping hand to secure the necessary funds for this endeavour. With the general elections looming, Minister Amarnath remains steadfast in his resolve to serve the people of Gajuwaka and usher in a new era of prosperity for the constituency.