Union Budget ignored Andhra Pradesh’s financial needs: CPI(M)

The CPI(M) on Sunday criticised the Union Budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, alleging that it was anti-people and had turned a blind eye to the financial needs of Andhra Pradesh, while favouring corporates.

Addressing the media, CPI(M) State secretary V. Srinivasa Rao said the Centre failed to allocate adequate funds to the State for key commitments, exposing the inability of the ruling coalition in Andhra Pradesh, which claims to be part of a “double-engine government,” to secure the State’s rightful share.

He expressed anger over the absence of allocations for the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, the development of backward regions, and the capital city construction.

Mr. Srinivasa Rao pointed out that not a single new project had been sanctioned for Andhra Pradesh and accused the Centre of projecting loans as financial assistance.

Allocation for the Polavaram project had been reduced to ₹3,000 crore compared to previous years and questioned how the State government intended to complete the project by 2026 with reduced funds. He also raised concern over lack of clarity on funds for the rehabilitation of displaced families, stating that while ₹21,000 crore was required, even the first phase of resettlement had not been properly completed.

The CPI(M) leader said Rayalaseema, Kadapa Steel Plant, North Andhra, and backward regions such as Markapur in Prakasam district suffered severe injustice. He termed the claims of coalition leaders about generous Central assistance as “shameful,” despite frequent visits to New Delhi.

Mr. Srinivasa Rao alleged that ₹2 lakh crore meant for States had been cut in the Budget, and urged the TDP and YSRCP to respond. He called upon people to oppose the Budget and launch struggles to secure due funds for the State.