Will fulfill poll promises despite financial constraints, says Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu today said that all promises made by his party in the run-up to Assembly elections earlier this year will be fulfilled even though the state has a deficit budget of Rs 16,000 crore.

"The newly-created residuary Andhra Pradesh has a deficit budget of Rs 16,000 crore. Even though the state is reeling under severe financial crisis, the TDP government will fulfil all promises made during elections," Naidu said addressing a gathering in Anaparthy village.

He said that the state government will waive off crop loans of Rs 1.5 lakh per family of farmers and talks are on with banks in this regard.

"For the benefit of farmers, a new organisation named 'Rythu Sadhikaritha' is being set up. Small scale industries will be set up for the benefit of women," he said.

As per the poll promises, the government has implemented several schemes, he said.

"We implemented a five-time hike in monthly pension from Rs 200 to Rs 1,000, had belt shops removed, raised retirement age to 60 from 58, increased DA for government employees even though the state was reeling under severe financial crisis.

With the increase in DA, the state exchequer has to incur a burden of Rs 100 crore per month," Naidu added.