CM Chandrababu Announces 36 Irrigation Projects, Highlights Rs 76,000 Crore Pension Spend

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said the government was continuing to give priority to welfare despite financial constraints, stating that it had so far spent Rs 76,000 crore on welfare pensions. Addressing a gathering at the NTR Bharosa pension distribution programme in Repalle, Bapatla district, he said the government was committed to improving the lives of every family and individual in the state.

Naidu said NTR Bharosa pensions were being distributed to lakhs of beneficiaries across Andhra Pradesh on the first day of every month. He said the government regarded the mandate given by the people as a responsibility and had been working over the past two years towards empowering families and individuals. Welfare, he added, remained an important component of the government's governance priorities.

The Chief Minister said low rainfall had resulted in drought-like conditions in parts of the state, although the recent rains had provided much-needed relief. He said completing the Polavaram project would help address water shortages in the Krishna and Godavari delta regions.

The government has also set a target of completing 36 irrigation projects within the next three years, Naidu said. The projects are expected to strengthen irrigation infrastructure and improve water availability for agriculture across different regions of the state.

Turning to tourism development, Naidu said the government would focus on transforming Bapatla Beach into a major tourist destination. He said efforts would be made to develop the beach as a destination capable of offering facilities and experiences comparable to, and better than, those available in Goa.

Naidu criticised the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) government that was in power between 2019 and 2024, alleging that it had caused significant damage to the state. He also accused the opposition party of approaching courts over the issue of BC reservations in local bodies.

Naidu recalled that his government had provided 34% reservations for BCs in local body elections in 1995. He alleged that the previous YSRCP government subsequently reduced the quota to 24%.

The Chief Minister said the present coalition government restored the 34% reservation after assuming office, but alleged that the YSRCP had once again approached the courts. He said petitions had been filed in the High Court challenging reservations beyond the 50% ceiling.

Naidu said the coalition government would continue to support BC communities politically and create opportunities for them to emerge as leaders and participate more actively in public life.