`Brand Andhra’: CM Naidu promises to complete Polavaram irrigation project by Dec 2027

Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu today promised to complete the Polavaram irrigation project by December 2027.

The move is aimed at reviving Brand AP’s reputation, and continuing, what he said, unprecedented welfare delivery” to the people.

Chief Minister was speaking after hoisting the national flag at the Indira Gandhi Municipal Stadium here on Friday.

Naidu delivered a strongly worded address on the state’s past setbacks, his government’s first-year achievements, and future plans.

From setback to silent revolution

Naidu recalled that after the 2014 bifurcation, as the first chief minister of the new state, he had placed AP among the nation’s top three states.

However, he accused the YSRCP government in power from 2019 to 2024 of “destroying the economy, halting major projects like Polavaram and Amaravati, driving away investments, and burdening the state with Rs 10 lakh crore debt.”

He credited the 2024 NDA victory, 94% strike rate, and 57% vote share to the people’s faith in the slogan “People should win, State should rise”, calling it a “silent revolution” that set the stage for rebuilding Andhra Pradesh.

Unmatched welfare delivery

Super Six Fulfilment: All major poll promises implemented.

NTR Bharosa Pensions: 64 lakh beneficiaries reached at their doorsteps under Pedala Sevalo.

Talliki Vandanam: Rs 10,000 crore for mothers to support children’s education.

Annadata Sukhibhava: 3,173 crore credited to 47 lakh farmers.

Deepam Scheme: Three free LPG cylinders annually per family, costing Rs 2,684 crore.

Stree Shakti: Free RTC bus travel for women would be launched on Independence Day.

Mega DSC: Recruitment for 16,347 teacher posts to be completed this month.

Anna Canteens: 5.16 crore meals served at Rs 5 each in 204 centres.

Empowering all communities

Fishermen: Rs 20,000 seasonal assistance to 1.29 lakh beneficiaries under Matsyakara Sevalo.

Handloom & Powerloom Sectors: Free electricity, 200 units for handlooms, 500 units for powerlooms.

SC Classification: Long-pending reform implemented without affecting any section.

Religious Leaders: Minimum wages raised to Rs 25,000 for Brahmin priests and Rs 15,000 for other temple priests.

Minorities: Honorarium for Imams and Maujans.

Major Irrigation & Infrastructure Push

Polavaram Project: Rs 12,157 crore released by Centre; completion target Dec 2027.

Velugonda Project: Water supply to Prakasam district by July 2026.

Godavari Floodwater Diversion: Plans to irrigate Rayalaseema without affecting other states’ water rights.

Road Development: 4,000 km of CC roads and 250 km of BT roads completed.

Jala Jeevan Mission: Drinking water to every household by 2028.

Urban Growth & Industry Revival

Ease of Building: Houses on plots under 100 yards exempted from building plan approvals.

Brand AP Push: Rs 5.94 lakh crore worth of investments approved in 113 projects, generating 5.56 lakh jobs.

Free Sand Policy: 1.5 crore metric tonnes supplied to support construction.

Liquor Policy: Only quality-checked branded liquor allowed.

IT Sector Boost: Google, TCS, Cognizant among firms committing to investments in AP.

Tech-Driven Governance

Mana Mitra – WhatsApp Governance: 700 public services brought online.

Administrative Innovation: Expanded use of technology for service delivery and monitoring.

National Pride and Defence

Naidu praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership for steering India towards becoming the world’s third-largest economy and saluted the armed forces for Operation Sindoor, calling it proof of India’s military might.