Is the Union Budget Truly Well-Balanced and Forward-Looking? Chandrababu Naidu's Perspective
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Amaravati, Feb 1 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Chandrababu Naidu, has expressed his approval of the Union Budget, describing it as ‘well-balanced’ and ‘forward-looking’.
He stated that the 2026-27 Budget, presented by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Parliament, embodies the aspirations of the populace for a rapidly advancing economy.
Naidu, whose party, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), is a crucial ally in the BJP-led NDA government at the national level, congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Sitharaman.
Speaking to the press in Kuppam, he expressed confidence that the Budget would propel India towards becoming a developed economy by 2047.
The TDP leader is optimistic that this Budget will facilitate self-reliance and bolster MSMEs. He highlighted that the Budget prioritizes women, farmers, and youth.
The Chief Minister anticipates that the Budget will empower the state government to tackle its key initiatives more vigorously.
“This Budget will further enhance the Ease of Doing Business strategy being executed by the State. We have already placed substantial emphasis on MSMEs, providing a chance to strengthen them further,” he remarked.
He mentioned that the Budget sets a clear direction and momentum, hoping it would spur advancements in various technologies, including AI, and initiate essential reforms.
Additionally, he noted that the Budget emphasizes renewable energy and a one-grid nation. “It has been crafted with short, medium, and long-term objectives. It will enhance living standards and improve the ease of living,” said Chandrababu Naidu.
The Chief Minister mentioned that the state will gain from the Hyderabad-Bengaluru and Hyderabad-Chennai high-speed rail corridors.
High-speed corridors will also encompass Tirupati and Amaravati.
The Bengaluru-Chennai high-speed rail corridor will traverse regions such as Palamaner, Chittoor, and others. These three high-speed corridors will connect various areas of Andhra Pradesh and link cities like Hyderabad, Amaravati, Bengaluru, and Chennai.
He pointed out that Andhra Pradesh is also included in dedicated rare earth corridors, which will allow for the extraction of valuable heavy minerals for the production of critical electronics.
Furthermore, he mentioned that Rs. 40,000 crore has been earmarked for semiconductors through ISM 2.0. The textile industry will also receive a boost, significantly benefiting Andhra Pradesh.
“The sectors of tourism and hospitality have also been prioritized. This will enhance tourism growth in locations like Araku in our State,” he added.
He believes that tax relief for data centers until 2047 will position India as a central hub for data centers.
“Multiple data centers, including Google, are establishing operations in Visakhapatnam. These centers will be developed to support Artificial Intelligence and generate large-scale job opportunities,” he stated.
Notably, for the first time, the development of the logistics sector has been addressed in the Union Budget, with Andhra Pradesh fully committed to this area.