CM Naidu: West Asia war hurting AP exports, but Centre taking steps to mitigate impact

Amaravati: Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Monday said the ongoing conflict in West Asia was affecting the marketing of products from the state, but assured that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was taking measures to mitigate its impact on the country.

Addressing a public meeting after unveiling a 58-foot bronze statue of freedom fighter Potti Sriramulu in the greenfield capital city of Amaravati, CM Naidu called for collective efforts to ensure that development continues despite global challenges.

“The marketing of various products from the state is facing difficulties due to the war in West Asia. However, Prime Minister Modi is taking steps to ensure that the country does not suffer due to the war’s fallout,” the Chief Minister said.

58-ft ‘Statue of Sacrifice’ unveiled

Earlier in the day, CM Naidu unveiled the statue of Sriramulu at Shakhamuru Park on the occasion of the freedom fighter’s 125th birth anniversary.

Sriramulu, revered as ‘Amarajeevi’ (immortal being), undertook a historic fast-unto-death demanding the creation of a separate state for Telugu-speaking people from the then Madras State.

His fast lasted 58 days, ending with his death on December 15, 1952.

The movement triggered widespread protests and eventually led to the formation of a separate state for Telugu speakers, laying the foundation for the reorganisation of states on linguistic lines in India.

The statue, designed at 58 feet to symbolise the 58-day fast, has been christened the ‘Statue of Sacrifice.’

Details of the memorial project

The memorial complex is being developed on a 6.8-acre site, with the first phase completed for Rs 150 crore.

According to officials, the statue was constructed in just six months by the Potti Sriramulu Memorial Trust, using 26 tonnes of bronze and 42 tonnes of iron.

In the second phase of the project, a museum, photo gallery, auditorium and skill development centre will be built at the site to showcase the life and sacrifice of Sriramulu.

CM Naidu said the memorial would serve as a reminder of the freedom fighter’s contribution and inspire future generations.

Sriramulu’s role in social reform

Remembering Sriramulu’s sacrifices, the Chief Minister noted that the freedom fighter had also fasted for 29 days to demand temple entry for Dalits, highlighting his commitment to social equality.

“Sriramulu is synonymous with inspiration. His sacrifice played a crucial role in the formation of linguistic states in India,” CM Naidu said.

Amaravati to be developed as ‘people’s capital’

Referring to the state’s political history, CM Naidu said the Telugu region had faced several challenges over the decades. He recalled that Kurnool served as the capital initially, followed by Hyderabad, before Andhra Pradesh was bifurcated in 2014 to create Telangana.

He alleged that between 2019 and 2024, attempts were made to divide the capital functions among three cities and claimed that no capital city was developed during the previous YSR Congress Party government.

“Now Amaravati is being developed as a people’s capital,” he asserted.

Coalition government’s development plans

CM Naidu said the alliance of the Telugu Desam Party, Jana Sena Party and BJP had produced ‘good results' over the past 21 months.

He added that the NDA government in the state was focusing on welfare and development initiatives.

The Chief Minister also reiterated his commitment to complete the Polavaram Project before the Godavari Pushkaralu in 2027.

Special postal cover released

As part of the commemorative events marking Sriramulu’s 125th birth anniversary, CM Naidu also released a special postal cover honouring the freedom fighter.

The Chief Minister said the memorial and statue would stand as a tribute to Sriramulu’s sacrifice and inspire future generations to work for the development of the state.