AP launches 'Nav Nirman Deeksha'

Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu here today launched 'Nav Nirman Deeksha', marking the division of the state last year.

Naidu, on the occasion, said, 'Nav Nirman Deeksha' is being held to inspire people and call for their participation for overall development of the state, post bifurcation.

He said the week-long statewide programme will be held each year from June 2. Under this, people across the state are taking oath for reconstruction of the state and to work towards its development. The programme is being held at government offices and public places.

The chief minister in his address said 'Nav Nirman Deeksha' is not against Telangana and exhorted that Telugu people living in the two states need to be united and work together for the comprehensive development of the two states.

"The people of both states (Telangana and Andhra Pradesh) have social and cultural links and we hope that the same shall continue for the development as well. Development should to place above politics," he said.

Naidu said the NDA government at the Centre has to take the responsibility of development of AP by providing additional funds to meet the resources deficit. The Centre has provided funds for Polavaram irrigation project and also for construction of the capital region, he added.

Construction of the capital in and around Vijayawada-Guntur will require Rs 5 lakh crore and it will take about 20 years for the overall development.He said though the Andhra Pradesh Re-organisation Act accorded the special status to the state but it is not enough for the comprehensive development.