‘Amaravati is our only capital’: CM Naidu thanks PM Modi after bill clears Lok Sabha

Nellore: Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu reiterated that Amaravati would remain as the only capital of Andhra Pradesh state, asserting that no one can shift it 'even an inch.’

He expressed happiness over the passage of the Amaravati Capital Bill in Parliament, granting legal status to Amaravati.

‘Matter of pride for AP’

Addressing a public meeting during the Pedala Sevalo programme at Vinjamuru in Nellore district on Wednesday, the Chief Minister said Amaravati symbolises the self-respect of the people of Andhra Pradesh. He termed the approval of the Bill in the Lok Sabha as a matter of pride for the state and said it removes all uncertainties surrounding the capital’s future.

The Chief Minister thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, along with leaders of various parties who supported the bill. He criticised previous regimes for creating confusion with a three-capital proposal and alleged that they neglected legislative responsibility on the capital issue.

Welfare measures in Pedala Sevalo program

The Chief Minister highlighted that the government is implementing large-scale welfare measures through the Pedala Sevalo initiative on the first of every month. He noted that Andhra Pradesh spends Rs 2,750 crore monthly on pensions, significantly higher than neighbouring Tamil Nadu.

He said schemes like Thalliki Vandanam and Deepam 2.0 are being implemented effectively, with free LPG cylinders and plans to provide piped gas to households.

An annual subsidy of Rs 2,400 will be credited to beneficiaries’ accounts.

On irrigation, he stated that the Centre has released Rs 1,300 crore for the Polavaram Project, which the government aims to dedicate to the nation before Godavari Pushkaram.

The Chief Minister announced Rs 34 crore for bringing water from the Somasila canal to Vinjamuru’s Patacheruvu and assured that the tank will be filled by October. He praised local efforts in water conservation.

Port and shipbuilding

Highlighting industrial growth in Nellore district, he said projects like Ramayapatnam Port, Dugarajapatnam Shipbuilding Centre and solar manufacturing units would generate around 80,000 jobs.

He accused certain groups of spreading misinformation about the Juvvaladinne Fishing Harbour and termed it ‘hit-and-run politics.’ He clarified that the proposal dates back to 2018 and is being executed for Rs 285 crore.

Free electricity for weavers

As part of the election promises, the Chief Minister announced free electricity for weavers starting from today.

The scheme will cost Rs 153 crore annually and significantly reduce the financial burden on weaver families.

He also announced a Rs 5 crore thrift fund for weavers and the establishment of five handloom clusters under the National Rural Livelihood Mission

The Chief Minister stated that 5.5 lakh houses have already been completed in 21 months and another 4.5 lakh are to be ready by December.