Andhra Pradesh IT and HRD Minister Nara Lokesh has openly acknowledged that the loss of Hyderabad following the 2014 bifurcation of the state has been a profound setback, both financially and emotionally. Speaking in an exclusive interaction, Lokesh emphasised Andhra Pradesh's determination to construct a new capital city, Amaravati, and drive extensive decentralised development across the state.
The Emotional and Financial Impact of Hyderabad's Loss
Responding to queries about Hyderabad's continued success as an IT hub, Lokesh asserted that competition among states is beneficial for India. However, he did not shy away from the deep impact of Hyderabad becoming part of Telangana.
"Loss of Hyderabad has definitely hurt us as a state, no second thoughts about it. More than just financial, there's a lot of emotional attachment," Lokesh stated, reflecting on the sudden change. He further noted, "I'm born, brought up in Hyderabad, and one fine morning you're told that it's no longer yours, and you need to go build something all over again. There's definitely a bit of heartburn."
Lokesh highlighted that this was not the first time the people of Andhra have faced such a challenge, expressing resilience and preparedness to rebuild the state's economic and urban infrastructure.
Amaravati and Decentralised Development: Andhra's Future Vision
Andhra Pradesh is now channeling its efforts into a strategy of decentralised development, focusing on establishing 24 distinct clusters across various parts of the southern state. These clusters are designed to foster growth in different sectors, moving beyond a single urban centre.
A significant update was provided regarding Amaravati, the state's proposed capital. Lokesh indicated that Amaravati is rapidly taking shape, aiming for global recognition. "These 24 clusters are going to different parts of the state, while of course, Amaravati is taking shape at a speed that India has not really seen," he explained.
The minister expressed a vision for Amaravati to become a city that instills pride in Indians and stands as a global benchmark for infrastructure development. "A day will come when the world will look at what we have built in Amaravati and be envious about it," Nara Lokesh confidently predicted, underscoring the state's ambitious goals for its new capital.