Naidu pushes bill for Amaravati capital status in parliament

Vijayawada: Chief minister and TDP supremo Chandrababu Naidu revealed that a Bill is likely to be introduced in the parliament during the budget session to provide legal sanctity to Amaravati as the capital of Andhra Pradesh. He directed party MPs to intensify efforts to mobilise Central funds for ongoing and proposed development works in Andhra Pradesh and to remain alert during the forthcoming parliament budget session to safeguard the state's interests.Naidu chaired the Telugu Desam Parliamentary Party meeting at the camp office on Sunday. The chief minister outlined key issues to be taken up during the budget session scheduled from Jan 28 to April 2. He asked MPs to engage proactively with Union ministers and senior officials, and take direct responsibility for securing funds for priority projects and constituency-specific issues.The CM instructed all MPs to participate virtually in the district collectors' conference to be held in Feb. He said special packages for backward North Andhra and Rayalaseema regions, the Purvodaya initiative, and the Polavaram–Nallamala Sagar projects must be treated as top priorities during the session.During the budget presentation, MPs were told to ensure adequate allocations for AP projects. The CM said revised estimates for the Polavaram project were submitted and stressed that, apart from construction, rehabilitation and resettlement must be completed. He noted that an additional ₹12,000 crore is yet to be released by the Centre and said completing Polavaram before the Godavari Pushkarams in June 2027 would be ideal.Chandrababu Naidu said there is no need for disputes with neighbouring states. He directed MPs to firmly present AP's case in parliament, pointing out that the state never objected to Telangana's Kaleshwaram project or diversion of Manjira waters, and that objections to Nallamala Sagar permissions are unjustified. The CM said Amaravati construction was accelerated and the second phase will begin soon. He added that development works worth Rs 40,000 crore are planned under the Purvodaya project, including a proposal for a 4-lane railway line from Ichchapuram to Tada, urging MPs to tap Railways' funds effectively.He also cautioned that no action should undermine alliance objectives, either in Parliament or on the ground, and asked MPs to closely track bifurcation commitments, national highway expansion and Sagarmala projects, while also countering opposition criticism of NDA programmes. He observed that MPs of Jana Sena and BJP were also invited to the next meeting with MPs in order to get more projects to the state. TDP national general secretary and HRD minister Nara Lokesh, TDPP leader Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu, and TDP state unit president Palla Srinivasa Rao were among those present.