TIRUPATI: Minister for Education, IT and Electronics Nara Lokesh said the NDA government's goal is to transform Rayalaseema into a 'Royal Seema' through large-scale investments and development initiatives.
Addressing a public meeting in Tirupati on Friday, held to mark the completion of two years of the NDA government in the state, he said the proposed Mission Rayalaseema project, with an estimated outlay of Rs 1 lakh crore, would become a model for the country.
Lokesh said major industries such as Royal Enfield, Carrier, LG and Reliance have chosen to invest in Rayalaseema, reflecting the government's commitment to the region. He called upon leaders and workers of the TDP, Jana Sena and BJP to work together as one family for the development of the State and welfare of the people.
Stating that people have regained peace and freedom after the formation of the coalition government, Lokesh credited Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu for bringing industries and development projects to the State. Comparing the Chief Minister to star cricketer Virat Kohli, he said Naidu had consistently delivered results despite political challenges.
The minister highlighted irrigation projects such as Handri-Neeva Sujala Sravanthi and said the government was focusing on ensuring water availability and agricultural growth in Rayalaseema. He added that the upcoming Mission Rayalaseema would further accelerate the region's development.
Lokesh claimed that the state had attracted a significant share of investments entering the country and said companies such as Google and Arcelor Mittal were investing in the State. He also referred to the proposed Quantum Valley project in the capital region as a prestigious initiative aimed at promoting advanced technology and innovation.
Launching a sharp attack on YSR Congress Party president YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, Lokesh accused him of taking credit for projects initiated by others and criticised his government's handling of various issues. "Jagan is having 'Credit Chori Disorder' (CCD). With that disorder he claims credit in every positive development though he did nothing during his tenure", he commented. Attempts were made by the YSRCP to obstruct the Mega DSC recruitment process, but the coalition government successfully conducted the recruitment and filled 16,347 teaching posts within 150 days.
The minister also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying India's global reputation had grown under his leadership. Referring to the alliance between Naidu and Modi, he described the Andhra Pradesh government as a 'double-engine bullet train government' working towards rapid development and progress.