He said there was no politics in choosing Smart Cities as many BJP-ruled states do not figure in the list, so do the constituencies represented by many VIPs.
Addressing a conference on 'India Smart Cities Mission: Next Steps', which was attended by senior officials from 23 municipal corporations across the country which could not make it to the first list of top 20 cities selected for the Smart Cities project, he asked for cooperation from the people for the success of the project.
"Everything will be observed and everything will be watched. Money cannot be spent for other purposes," Naidu said.
The minister also emphasised on greater participation of people and local bodies.
"Urban governance can no longer be business as usual. It's not top to bottom approach, but bottom up approach," he said.
Naidu said his own city could not make it to the first list of cities selected under the Smart Cities project.
"There is no question of politics here. BJP-ruled states like Chhattisgarh, Goa and Jharkhand could not make it. Constituencies represented by many important people are not there. Because I don't expect an MP to make a Smart City. It is the duty of the mayor and the municipal commissioner," Naidu said.
