Undavalli praises Lokesh for supporting Kova bun vendor

Metro India News | AMARAVATI 

Former Member of Parliament Undavalli Arun Kumar on Wednesday praised Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh for extending support to a small-time kova bun vendor, stating that the gesture reflected a positive and inclusive approach in governance. He remarked that standing by a Muslim businessman despite being part of an alliance with the BJP was a commendable step.

Addressing the media in Rajamahendravaram, Arun Kumar said such actions help reinforce confidence among minority communities and demonstrate that governance should rise above political and ideological boundaries.

The former MP also raised concerns over the non-implementation of assurances made to Andhra Pradesh following the state’s bifurcation. He alleged that nearly Rs 80,000 crore due to the state under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation commitments remains pending and urged Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan to exert stronger pressure on the Union government.

“Even after 12 years since the state’s bifurcation, Andhra Pradesh has not received its due justice,” he said, expressing dissatisfaction over delays in fulfilling financial and institutional commitments promised at the time of division. Arun Kumar further suggested that the state government appoint a dedicated legal counsel to pursue the issue in the Supreme Court and ensure sustained legal pressure on the Centre regarding pending obligations.

He also demanded that the headquarters of major companies such as Heritage Foods and Bharathi Cements, currently operating from Hyderabad, be relocated to Amaravati to strengthen the state’s economic ecosystem and administrative capital.

Commenting on the Tirumala laddu adulteration controversy, Arun Kumar said action should be taken strictly based on the findings of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) report. He cautioned against politicising religious matters, stating that the issue should be handled with sensitivity and responsibility. He advised the coalition government to avoid pursuing vendetta politics and instead focus on governance and public welfare, stressing that political stability and fairness would benefit both the administration and democratic institutions in the long run.