Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu Applauds Union Budget 2026 as 'Well-Balanced and Forward-Looking'
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has described the Union Budget presented in Parliament on Sunday as a well-balanced and forward-looking financial blueprint that aligns with the aspirations of India's fast-growing economy. Speaking to reporters at Kuppam in Chittoor district, Naidu emphasized that the budget focuses on self-reliance, manufacturing consolidation, and strengthening the ease of doing business, while placing top priority on MSMEs, women, farmers, and youth empowerment.
Naidu Congratulates PM Modi and FM Sitharaman for Direction-Setting Budget
In his remarks, Naidu extended congratulations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for presenting a budget that provides direction and velocity to the nation. He noted that as per PM Modi's words, India is emerging as the third-largest economy globally, and this budget creates a pathway for rapid economic growth, particularly in technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and renewable energy. Naidu asserted that India is already ahead in technology and ready for next-level reforms.
Key Benefits for Andhra Pradesh Highlighted by Naidu
Naidu detailed several aspects of the budget that will significantly benefit Andhra Pradesh:
- High-Speed Rail Corridors: The three proposed corridors—Hyderabad–Bengaluru, Hyderabad–Chennai, and Bengaluru–Chennai—will cover Tirupati, Amaravati, Palamaner, and Chittoor, enhancing connectivity and economic opportunities.
- Rare-Earth Corridor: AP stands to gain from the dedicated rare-earth corridor due to its rich beach sand minerals and metals crucial for defence, atomic energy, and solar panel manufacturing.
- Semiconductor Allocation: The Rs 40,000-crore allocation for semiconductors will boost the development of critical electronic systems in the state.
- Textile Sector Focus: With abundant cotton cultivation, AP will benefit from the budget's emphasis on textiles.
- Tourism and Hospitality: Priority for tourism will give a push to destinations like Araku, and Pulicat Lake, known for the annual flamingo festival, will be developed into a top tourism destination.
- Data Centre Incentives: Tax incentives for data centres until 2047 will strengthen India's emergence as a global data hub, with Google's data centre coming up in Visakhapatnam.
- AI Initiatives: Naidu announced that an AI university and AI learning centres will soon be established in the state, highlighting AI as a game-changer.
- East Coast Corridor: This will expand logistics capabilities, enabling coastal cargo movement, inland waterways, and freight corridors, benefiting several AP ports and serving neighbouring states like Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, and Maharashtra.
- Urban Development: Funds for city agglomeration and growth centres will support the Visakhapatnam, Tirupati, and Amaravati economic regions.
- Container Manufacturing: Provisions for container manufacturing will further strengthen logistics in the state.
Additional Allocations and State-Level Support
Naidu also welcomed allocations for next-generation services such as deep-tech hubs and support for Ayush and naturopathy. Citing the Sanjeevani health project in Kuppam, he noted that AP is already advancing in healthcare reforms. On MSMEs, he highlighted the 75% credit guarantee provided in the budget, with the state government offering an additional 20% support.
Conclusion: Budget to Steer India Toward Next-Level Growth
Concluding his assessment, Naidu stated that the Union Budget balances short-, medium-, and long-term sustainability while promoting wealth creation to improve living standards. He expressed confidence that the budget will steer India toward the next level of economic growth, and AP's governance model will enhance ease of living for its residents.
