CM Jagan says his relationship with the Centre, especially with Modi, is beyond politics; seeks Special Category Status and funds for state.
Published Nov 12, 2022 | 3:54 PM ⚊ Updated Nov 12, 2022 | 6:00 PM
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy in Visakhapatnam on Saturday, 12 November. Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw (Left) and state Governor Bishwa Bhusan Harichandan are also seen (Supplied).
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, 12 November, expressed hope that Andhra Pradesh will play a pivotal role in driving the country’s development.
The Prime Minister, who reached Visakhapatnam on Friday, 11 November for a two-day visit to the state, was speaking while launching nine projects worth ₹15,233 crore in virtual mode. He also laid the foundation stones for new projects.
Modi began his address by recalling his previous visit to attend the 125th birth anniversary of Viplava Veerudu Alluru Sitaramraju.
Terming Visakhapatnam “a very special city” with a rich tradition of trade and business, he pointed out that the city was part of the trade route to West Asia and Rome thousands of years ago. “It remains the central point of India’s trade”, he said.
The Prime Minister said that the projects dedicated on Saturday, along with the upcoming ones, will serve as a medium to achieve the hopes and aspirations of Visakhapatnam and Andhra Pradesh.
He said that they will open up new dimensions in infrastructure, and ensure ease of living and Atmanirbhar Bharat — or self-reliant India.
The Prime Minister made a special mention to former Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, saying his “love and dedication toward Andhra Pradesh remain unparalleled”.
“Be it education or entrepreneurship, technology or medical profession, the people of Andhra Pradesh have made a prominent name for themselves in every field. This recognition is not only a result of professional qualities but also the outgoing and cheerful nature of the people of Andhra Pradesh”, Modi said while addressing a massive crowd at the Andhra University Grounds.
The Prime Minister expressed confidence that the new projects will further fuel the pace of development in the state.
“In this Amrit Kaal”, he said, “the country is moving forward rapidly on the path of development with the objective of a developed India”.
Terming the path to development multidimensional, Modi said that the growth focuses on the needs and necessities of the common citizen and presents a roadmap for advanced infrastructure.
He highlighted the government’s vision of inclusive growth. Citing the new projects launched, Modi drew attention to the integrated view of development.
The Prime Minister listed the six-lane roads in the proposed economic corridor project, a separate road for port connectivity, the beautification of Visakhapatnam railway station and the construction of a state-of-the-art fishing harbour to drive in his point.
“Multi-modal transport system is the future of every city and Visakhapatnam has taken a step in this direction”, he said, adding that Andhra Pradesh and its coastal regions will move ahead in this race of development with new momentum and energy.
While addressing the meeting, Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy made a passionate appeal to grant Special Category Status and funds for the Polavaram multipurpose irrigation project.
The chief minister said that his relationship with the Centre, especially with Modi, is beyond politics and in the interest of Andhra Pradesh’s welfare.
Reiterating that his government’s sole agenda is the welfare of the state, Jagan appealed to the Prime Minister to consider the pending issues, which would provide “a soothing relief to the wounds of bifurcation, inflicted eight years ago”.
He asserted that the state has been prudently utilising each rupee from its resources to infuse and boost self-confidence in every household and take forward the welfare agenda.
“We have been doing all that could be done as a state government and my humble request to you is to extend your cooperation and help with benevolence and generosity, which will take forward our welfare and developmental activities at the desired pace”, Jagan appealed.
“Every help and every initiative you give us, be it grants, institutions or help in any form, will enormously help in restructuring and reshaping our state. Every additional financial aid will strengthen the rebuilding efforts of our government and act as a balm for the eight-year-old wound”, he said.
Thanking the Prime Minister profusely on behalf of the people for laying the foundation stones and inaugurating the multi-crore projects, the chief minister requested the Centre’s continued support for the state’s development.
He asserted that the state government had used each rupee from its revenue and the Centre-allotted funds with full transparency for the welfare of the people.
“They were used for ushering in revolutionary changes in the fields of education, agriculture, women’s welfare, medical and health, social justice, development and decentralisation over the past 3.4 years”, Jagan said.
He also urged Modi to consider his requests on the persisting issues of state reorganisation, the Polavaram project, Special Category Status, Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, and railway zone. Stating that Andhra Pradesh will remember the Prime Minister for extending full support, he sought further cooperation from the Centre for developing the state.
Quoting revolutionary writer Sri Sri (Srirangam Srinivasa Rao), social reformer Gurazada and poet-lyricist Vangapandu, the chief minister thanked the people for attending the public meeting in large numbers and turning the city, the City of Destiny, into a sea of humanity.
Despite the Prime Minister urging his party in the state on Friday to take on the ruling YSRCP, the bonhomie between Modi and Jagan was on display as both leaders shared the stage.
Also, the event had a heavy local flavour with the Prime Minister and chief minister invoking the names of local icons, drawing huge rounds of applause from the capacity crowd.
Jagan recalled the names of three legends from north-coastal Andhra Pradesh even as the people acknowledged them with reverence.
First, he referred to balladeer Vangapadu Prasada Rao and quoted his famous song, ‘Em pillado, veladaam vasthava’, drawing praise from the audience.
Next, mentioned Sri Sri (Srirangam Srinivasa Rao), the revolutionary poet, quoting his verse, ‘Vasthunnai Vasthunnai Jagannadha Ratha Chakralu’, which speaks about imminent change.
It was then the turn of Gurazada Appa Rao Panthulu and his ever-inspirational ‘Desamante Matti Kadoyi, Desamante Manushuloi’.
The chief minister’s stress was on north coastal Andhra and the three icons belong to Srikakulam, Vizianagaram and Visakhapatnam.
After reaching Visakhapatnam from Madurai on Friday night, Prime Minister Modi met the core group leaders of the BJP’s state unit and gave specific directives to expand the party in the state without depending on any other political formation.
He also met Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan amidst reports of friction between BJP and his party, both alliance partners in Andhra Pradesh.
