Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu at the FICCI meeting in Vijayawada on Wednesday.
In a bold pitch to curb the influence of black money in elections, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday called for the abolition of ₹500 currency notes, and reiterated his demand for a digital currency-led economy.
Speaking at a meeting organised by FICCI, in which top business leaders participated, Mr. Naidu said he had already submitted a report on digital currency, and stressed its urgent necessity in India’s electoral and financial systems.
“Southern States are witnessing rampant cash distribution during elections. This is polluting politics, and, as a result, corrupting every institution,” Mr. Naidu remarked.
“We should restrict the currency to ₹100 and ₹200 notes. That alone will reduce the cash-based electoral influence significantly,” he observed.
Referring to investor concerns, Mr. Naidu acknowledged the apprehensions about the previous government’s anti-business climate.
“I understand the bitter experiences the industrial community had under the previous regime. They destroyed the brand image of Andhra Pradesh that I had carefully built. But that era is over,” he assured, striking a confident tone.
Reaffirming political continuity and governance stability, Mr. Naidu declared, “I am not going to be complacent this time. I am taking every step to ensure that this government continues without disruption. Just as NDA has continued at the Centre, ensuring India’s development momentum, we will also push forward in the State with Central support.”
Encouraging investors to shed the fear of political reversals, Mr. Naidu appealed, “Don’t worry about the past. The NDA government at the Centre is driving national progress. With their support, we are developing Andhra Pradesh across all sectors. Invest here without hesitation.”
Mr. Naidu’s speech combined political foresight with economic strategy, positioning Andhra Pradesh as a secure investment destination, while hinting at deep electoral reforms. His remarks were expected to reignite national debate on digital currency and election funding reforms, especially in States with high cash-based electoral practices.
Published – June 25, 2025 08:57 pm IST