Amravati (Andhra Pradesh) [India], May 2 (ANI): Terming the Central government's decision to conduct a caste census 'revolutionary,' Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu on Friday said that India is on the path to becoming a great nation in the coming years.

Addressing the public in Amravati in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Naidu said, 'PM Modi has also taken another revolutionary decision by initiating the caste census -- a commendable move that will help uplift the poor and ensure targeted support. India is on the path to becoming a great nation in the coming years.'

Referring to the recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, Chief Minister Naidu said that people of Andhra Pradesh and the entire nation are with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in these tough times.

'Despite being deeply saddened by the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, PM Modi still attended today's event, which reflects his unwavering commitment. We fully support him in taking strong decisions to combat terrorism,' Naidu said.

Prime Minister Modi is the right leader for the nation at the right time, he added.

A 'new India' is emerging under PM Modi's leadership, Naidu said, adding that the caste census is a revolutionary decision taken by the PM Modi Government.

Chief Minister Naidu said that he is confident of building Amravati as the new capital of Andhra Pradesh in three years.

'Prime Minister Modi had previously laid the foundation stone for Amaravati as the capital in 2014. Unfortunately, the capital was later neglected, and its development was stalled. Today, PM Modi is once again laying the foundation stone to restart the development of Amaravati. The state has now come out of the ventilator, thanks to the support of Prime Minister Modi. In 2014, despite not having a capital, we governed the state with determination. After the bifurcation from Telangana, we overcame numerous challenges through great effort,' Naidu said.

He further said that Amaravati is the sentiment of five crore people, adding that nowhere else in the world have 34,000 acres of land been voluntarily given by 29,000 farmers for the development of a capital city.

'Many farmers fought tirelessly for Amaravati, and some even lost their lives in the struggle. Today, Amaravati stands as our capital, and this victory belongs to all of you. With the support of Prime Minister Modi, we will complete the construction of Amaravati as the capital. Today, foundation stones for development works worth Rs 49,000 crores are being laid by PM Modi,' he said.

Andhra CM further praised PM Modi and said that no other politician can understand technology the way PM Modi understands.

'Prime Minister Modi is a visionary leader who has brought advanced technology to the country. You have always guided me on AI and technology. Today, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed under the Quantum Mission initiative. Polavaram will be completed by 2027 with the continued support of PM Modi. The Bogapuram Airport is expected to be completed by next year. Funds have also been allocated for the resurvey of the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant,' he said.

Chief Minister Naidu said that the government is committed to building a world-class capital, adding that a greenfield airport will be developed in Amaravati, along with educational hubs that will benefit over five lakh students.

'A Health City will also be established. We aim to build a capital city that can compete with global standards, including Japan. The Ratna Tata Innovation Hub will be developed, and we will prioritize the use of green energy to control pollution,' he said.

Prime Minister Modi inaugurated, laid the foundation stone and dedicated multiple development projects worth over Rs 58,000 crore in Amaravati. (ANI)