CM Naidu meets PM Modi, focuses on state issues

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has participated in various meetings and events during his Delhi visit. On Wednesday morning, he attended the birth centenary celebrations of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Later, Chandrababu took part in a meeting of the National Democratic Alliance at the residence of BJP national president JP Nadda.
Later, the CM met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his residence for a 45-minute discussion. They talked about various State government programmes, financial issues and key projects. Chandrababu briefed the Prime Minister about the restart of crucial projects like Polavaram and Amaravati, detailing the steps being taken to expedite the work. He thanked the PM for the financial assistance for two vital projects in the State. He also raised concerns about the diversion of funds from 94 Central government schemes under the previous administration, which had caused significant losses.
 However, he informed the Prime Minister that 74 of these schemes had been resumed.
The Chief Minister also spoke about the establishment of the ArcelorMittal Steel Plant and requested the Prime Minister to ensure the timely supply of raw materials for the project. He urged the PM Modi to expedite the necessary permits from various departments to help the project progress. The CM also stressed the need for cooperation to overcome technical challenges to ensure the project’s success.
In his address, the CM pointed out that the previous government had destabilised the financial system, using up the revenue deficit grants meant for five years in just three years. He appealed to the Prime Minister for financial assistance through the special assistance programme. Following this, CM Chandrababu presented the Swarnandhra Vision 2047 document to the Prime Minister. The vision document outlines the State’s goals and plans to contribute to the vision of a developed India by 2047. The CM requested all-around support from the Central government to achieve this vision. He also discussed with the Prime Minister upcoming foundation stone ceremonies and project inaugurations planned for next month.
Earlier, soon after the NDA meeting, Chandrababu met Union Steel Minister HD Kumaraswamy, where they discussed strengthening of the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant. Afterward, he had a meeting with Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to discuss the foundation laying of the Visakhapatnam Railway Zone and speeding up the railway projects in the State. He also expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister for approving a new railway line to Amaravati.
Later, the CM met Union Ministers Amit Shah and Nirmala Sitharaman to discuss the State’s financial situation and the steps being taken to stabilise it. They discussed the release of Central funds for various departments and other financial matters. He again requested special assistance from the Central government, considering the State’s financial challenges.
The meeting was attended by State Finance Minister Payyavula Keshav, Union Ministers K Ram Mohan Naidu, P Chandrasekhar, Srinivas Varma and Members of Parliament.