ThePrint ThePrintPod: Andhra Pradesh missing from Budget spotlight, why Chandrababu Naidu’s still happy
Feb 2, 2026
A deep look at why Andhra Pradesh was largely absent from the budget spotlight, yet its leadership remains upbeat. Discussion of shifted priorities toward eco-tourism in Araku and Pulicat. Coverage of allocations for Polavaram, RINL Vizag steel and port projects. Examination of incentives for data centres, AI, electronics and rare earth corridors that could spur investment and jobs.
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Naidu's Positive Take On The Budget
- Chandrababu Naidu welcomed the 2026-27 Union Budget despite Andhra missing specific mentions.
- He sees the budget as balanced and forward-looking for inclusive development.
Special Amaravati Funds Scaled Down
- FM Nirmala Sitharaman had previously pledged large financing for Amaravati and Polavaram in 2024.
- Those Andhra-specific promises were scaled down or absent in the 2026-27 speech and documents.
Budget Prioritises Ecology And Minerals
- The 2026-27 Budget shifted focus to ecological and tourism projects like Araku and Pulicat instead of Amaravati.
- It also proposed rare-earth corridors supporting mineral states including Andhra Pradesh.