Andhra FM says growth decline in 2019-24 cost state ₹6.94 lakh crore

SQUARELY blaming the YSRCP regime for the financial mess inherited eight months ago, Finance Minister Payyavula Keshav has asserted that the coalition government, through concerted efforts, made adequate budgetary allocations to all the departments, laying equal emphasis on development and welfare.

- S GURU SRIKANTH @ Vijayawada

Speaking on the budget in the AP Legislative Assembly on Tuesday, he said Andhra Pradesh's growth rate declined from 13.5% to 10.5% under the YSRCP government, costing the State ₹6.94 lakh crore. In a sarcastic jab, Payyavula likened the YSRCP to smoking and alcohol, warning it is injurious to society and the State.

Lauding the insights of 30 MLAs who actively participated in the budget discussion, he termed the absent YSRCP members dropouts.