Raring to take on challenges: Naidu

How do you propose to sustain the faith people have reposed in you?

The time for euphoria and celebrations is over. Now we have to get into action. I am aware I have a Herculean task ahead of me. During my 2,800-km-long padayatra, I made several promises and at that time the state was not bifurcated. Now, in a truncated state and lots of problems ahead of me, I have to do a perfect balancing act to keep up my promises.

Farmers who had drifted away from TDP in 2004 have once again given you a chance
Yes, promises like loan waiver and nine-hour power for agriculture did play a major role in helping us win the elections. I know it is a difficult task but not insurmountable. I have also promised loan waiver for DWCRA women. I have already held discussions with experts and officials. We are working out the details. I have promised that loan waiver will be the first file that I would sign and I will keep my promise. As far as nine hour power is concerned, I have already discussed the issue with officials and I have asked them to prepare a report. Initially, we thought we would have surplus power after bifurcation, but the irrational manner in which the power-sharing has been done will certainly cause some problems. There will be gap between generation and demand, but still it is a promise we have made and we will ensure nine hour supply. One advantage the Seemandhra has is that agriculture in most parts of Andhra is based on canal irrigation unlike in Telangana. A little streamlining of the distribution system is required to supply nine hour power. It can be done.

You have sought liberal assistance from Centre. Have you also sought help in implementing loan waiver scheme?

It will not be possible for the Centre to extend direct help in regard to loan waiver scheme. If it takes a decision to help one state, they will be flooded with similar requests from other states. We will have to work out modalities wherein not only those who did not repay the loans are benefited, but even those who have been paying regularly are rewarded. About Rs 70,000 crore will be required to implement the loan waiver scheme. In addition, we will have a revenue deficit of Rs 10,000 crore. We will also require Rs 7,000 crore for debt servicing.
What about new capital. You need huge tracts of land and you may have to acquire some farm land. Will it not affect farmers?
If that becomes necessary we will ensure that the farmers are compensated adequately and are properly rehabilitated. I even propose to develop a part of the land taken from them and give it back to them in form of plots. This will help them have some land whose value would be increasing constantly and they can benefit from it. May be we can convert about 30 per cent of land acquired as plots and allot them to the farmers. We are working out on such lines, let us see.

How will you build a capital city like Singapore?

When I spoke of Singapore-like capital, I did not mean exact replica of Singapore. That was only for the purpose of illustration. My concept of a capital city is to ensure that the new capital is ultra modern with all facilities including inner and outer ring roads which can be showcased across the globe so that AP becomes the best destination for investments.

Does it mean you are for centralized development?

No. I did not say that. This time the development will be totally decentralized. For example, we will concentrate on developing tourism in places like Visakhapatnam which has vast beach, valleys like Araku etc. We will develop temple tourism in major pilgrim centres like Tirupati and Annavaram etc. We will develop some districts as educational hubs. For example, Nellore and Guntur districts are famous for educational institutions. We have a vast sea coast and a lot of major ports are coming up. They will become major centres of import and export. We will also explore developing the area between Kakinada and Visakhapatnam as an industrial corridor. We have lots of plans for uniform development of all regions.

How will you woo investors?

I did it in the past and I am confident that I will be able to do it this time also. I cannot go into greater details, till the government is formed and an industrial policy is announced. But let me tell you I have already done some preliminary exercise. I have discussed the issue with top officials. I also had discussions with some top people in various sectors like IT since it is one sector which can create jobs at a fast pace. I will also focus on making the state a hub for various manufacturing units. In the past, I went round the globe with files in my hand and knocked on every door to attract the industry. If need be, I shall do it again.

What kind of relationship will you have with the Government of Telangana?

TDP was born for the welfare of Telugu-speaking people wherever they are. There are lakhs of people abroad as well. There are many areas which are dominated by Telugus in the country. We are divided geographically but as Telugus we will remain united. TDP will work for the welfare of all Telugus. We have decided to give about 9 months to one year time to the TRS government to implement the promises it has made. We will fully cooperate with them during this period in development of the new state and may even tend to ignore minor lapses. I have already pleaded for according national status to Pranahita-Chevella project when I met the Prime Minister. The Centre should extend all help to the new government in Telangana. I hope the T government will reciprocate in an equally friendly manner.

How will you tackle such challenges as high crime rate, factionalism and red sanders smuggling etc?

Before the TDP came to power, Hyderabad was known for communal violence. There was no city beyond Jubilee Hills check post. But later you have seen how TDP government not only put an end to communal violence but also maintained perfect law and order and created Cyberabad which is now being showcased by successive governments.

I have already held talks with the new DGP and the Chief Secretary on the issue of law and order. After I wrote a letter to Governor on the escape of Gangi Reddy who is an accused in Alipiri attack on me, police swung into action. Already smuggling activity in the forests of Tirumala has come down. If the government is tough, things will fall in line. There are reports that jails are already getting full with red sander smugglers. You will see the change soon. There is no question of compromise in maintaining law and order.