Political stability a prerequisite for achieving Swarnandhra Vision-2047 goals, says Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan

A strong rule of law is essential for the State’s development, he says, and calls upon the officials to discharge their duties efficiently and contribute to creation of a new Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Panchayat Raj and Rural Development K. Pawan Kalyan has stressed the need for political stability for at least the next more than two decades to achieve the Swarnandhra Vision-2047 goals.

“The aim is to build a State of power, wealth, and overall development,” Mr. Pawan Kalyan said at the unveiling of the vision document by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu here on December 13, 2024 (Friday).

Mr. Pawan Kalyan, in an oblique reference to the demolition of Praja Vedika during the previous YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) government’s term, said, “It is easy to pull down a building, but very hard to build one. So is the case with development and creation of wealth.”

The previous government had squandered funds by spending ₹500 crore on the Rushikonda Palace and ₹1,200 crore on etching images of the then Chief Minister on the survey stones. The government could have provided road connectivity to at least half of the 2,854 villages, for which ₹3,000 crore was required. Had the funds spent on the survey stones and Rushikonda Palace been used judiciously, at least 1,400 tribal villages could have been provided with roads and medical facilities, he said.

“As a result of the imprudent decisions, pregnant women are now being carried in ‘dholis’ because of lack of proper roads and other facilities,” he said.

Mr. Pawan Kalyan asked officials to recognise their strength and the power they had to stabilise the systems, and contribute to the creation of a new Andhra Pradesh.

“If they carry out their responsibilities properly, they have nothing to fear, as the government will support them. The officials hold significant power to stabilise the systems. By understanding this power and working efficiently, they can contribute to the creation of a new Andhra Pradesh,” he said.

Laying emphasis on the rule of law, the Deputy Chief Minister pointed out that many investors move to other countries because of the strong rule of law there.

Once, Goa was a prime tourist destination. Half of that State’s income came from tourism. “It has fallen due to the mafia gangs there. So, a strong rule of law is essential for a State’s development,” he said.

Everyone aiming to participate in development must be treated equally under the rule of law. Andhra Pradesh, with its vast coastline and abundant resources, had the potential to surpass Goa in tourism. “Ensuring the safety of foreign tourists is the primary responsibility of the State,” he added.

Published - December 13, 2024 09:07 pm IST