Apparently realizing that he cannot continue to hoodwink the people on the implementation of welfare schemes promised under his Super Six agenda before the elections, Telugu Desam Party president and Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Monday said he would implement the schemes only when there is an improvement in the state financial position.
Addressing a press conference at the state secretariat, Naidu said if there were sufficient funds in the state exchequer, he wouldn't hesitate for a moment to implement welfare schemes.
“I cannot lie to the people and keep them in dark about the situation. I am revealing the factual position so that people can understand the reality,” he said.
He clarified that funds allocated for projects like Polavaram, Amaravati, and the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant cannot be diverted for welfare schemes.
“Once the financial situation stabilizes, welfare schemes like Thalli Ki Vandanam and Annadata Sukhibhava will be implemented,” he said.
The chief minister blamed it on the financial mismanagement by the previous government, citing a NITI Aayog report that claimed they caused the financial system to crumble. He emphasized that people of the state need to be aware of these facts.
He made significant remarks about the state's financial situation, stating that Andhra Pradesh's economy has deteriorated worse than Bihar's.
"We lack the capacity to pay back the debts incurred. The previous government mortgaged government offices and spent borrowed money recklessly. Revenue cannot increase if loans are misused," he said.
Quoting the NITI Aayog report, Naidu said during 2022-23, Rs 67,000 crore was borrowed, but these funds were not utilized for development projects. He accused the YSRCP government of extravagant expenditures.
He said excessive loans with high-interest rates, lack of capital expenditure, increased taxes, and other issues during the YSRCP's tenure had pushed Andhra Pradesh into a severe debt crisis.
“Despite the crisis, my government had implemented certain schemes promised under Super Six. I am sure the people will understand the challenges before us,” he added.
