CM Chandrababu Naidu meets PM Modi, Sitharaman seeking financial support for debt-ridden Andhra Pradesh | Top points

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi on Saturday. Naidu sought financial assistance from the Prime Minister for debt-ridden Andhra Pradesh.

Official data shows Andhra Pradesh's public debt has risen from 31.02 per cent of the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) in 2019-20 to 33.32 per cent in 2023-24, indicating worsening fiscal health over the last five years.

The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief discussed the state's financial status in detail and requested more central support to overcome fiscal challenges, boost economic activity and increase the state's GDP, PTI reported.

The TDP chief also met Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to discuss the finances of debt-ridden Andhra Pradesh. CM Naidu will later meet with Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

In his first meeting with PM Modi after the Union Budget, Naidu thanked the prime minister for key announcements made for Andhra Pradesh, including ₹15,000 crore funding for the new capital's development, sources said.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Naidu arrived in Delhi on Friday to meet Union ministers and discuss the state's issues, including the Polavaram irrigation project.

The Telugu Desam Party (TDP), a key National Democratic Alliance (NDA) partner, is seeking central assistance and support in rebuilding debt-ridden Andhra Pradesh. The TDP, with its 16 Lok Sabha MPs, is a key constituent of the BJP-led NDA government.

Chandrababu Naidu's Delhi visit – Top Points

•The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief discussed the state's financial status in detail and requested more central support to overcome fiscal challenges, boost economic activity and increase the state's GDP,

• Chandrababu Naidu met with Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu in New Delhi to discuss the development of airport infrastructure in Andhra Pradesh

• The chief minister emphasised the need for expediting terminal expansion at several airports, including Rajahmundry and Kadapa, where work is already underway. The Centre has assured swift completion of these projects.

• In the 2024 Union budget, the Centre announced ₹15,000 crore for the development of a new capital city for Andhra Pradesh.

• On Saturday, CM Chandrababu Naidu also met Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman here on Saturday and discussed issues related to his state

• The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief informed Sitharaman about Andhra Pradesh's poor financial health and sought enhanced support under various schemes for rebuilding of the state.