We secured Rs. 13,000 crore to protect the Vizag Steel Plant, established a railway zone, and ensured funds for Amaravati and Polavaram. This is our commitment to the state Nara Lokesh Minister of Education, AP

kiranmai tutika I amaravati

Minister for Education, IT, and Electronics, Nara Lokesh, has reiterated that the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Jana Sena Party (JSP) have extended unconditional support to the central government solely in the interest of Andhra Pradesh. Responding to comments made by MLC Varudu Kalyani during discussions on the motion of thanks to the Governor's speech, Lokesh strongly opposed the allegations, stating, “We did not seek positions; we only sought the protection of the state’s interests. We secured Rs. 13,000 crore to protect the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, established a railway zone, and ensured funds for Amaravati and Polavaram. This is our commitment to the state.”

Emphasizing the importance of central support for Andhra Pradesh’s development, Lokesh highlighted that the current government had already brought in substantial funds within just nine months, an achievement that the previous government failed to accomplish in five years. “With the advent of the double-engine government, Andhra Pradesh is seeing rapid development. We have signed agreements for Rs. 6.5 lakh crore in investments, and new projects are now materializing. However, it takes time—around two to three years—for these investments to generate employment,” he explained.

Lokesh also addressed allegations by MLC Chandrasekhar Reddy, who claimed that Vice-Chancellors (VCs) were forced to resign.  “Provide proof that we coerced VCs into resigning, and I will immediately order an inquiry. Making baseless allegations will not serve any purpose,” he challenged. He noted that 17 out of 19 VCs had resigned voluntarily due to their past actions and not due to government pressure. “Universities operate under the Governor’s purview; if someone was indeed threatened, they should come forward with evidence,” he asserted.

Taking a dig at former Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy, Lokesh recalled his promises to secure Special Category Status (SCS) for Andhra Pradesh by pressuring the central government. “Jagan claimed he would twist the Centre’s arm for SCS. What happened? Where is the special status?” he questioned. He further criticized the YSRCP for amassing debts of Rs. 10 lakh crore and diverting state funds for personal gains rather than development.

Addressing the concerns raised about employment generation, Lokesh clarified, “Investments lead to industrial growth, which in turn creates job opportunities. We have already attracted Rs. 13,000 crore in investments within months of forming the government. The opposition is questioning job creation when industries are still setting up. Let us be clear: employment will increase as projects get operationalized.”

He also reminded the assembly that TDP and JSP had openly declared their support for the NDA before elections, with no conditions attached. “We are not here to seek positions. We are here to ensure the state's development and secure necessary funds. We stopped the privatization of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, secured the railway zone, and brought in funds for Amaravati and Polavaram. Unlike the previous government, which blindly supported the Centre without results, we are delivering tangible benefits to the state.”

The heated debates in the Legislative Council reflected the ongoing power struggle between the ruling NDA government and the opposition YSRCP. While the opposition continued to press allegations regarding job creation and university governance, the ruling coalition defended its achievements and highlighted YSRCP’s failures.