New Delhi. Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh on Saturday sought government assistance for development of new state capitals. While other states like Tamil Nadu, Haryana and Odisha sought project-specific support, Kerala sought a special package of Rs 24,000 crore to deal with the cash crunch.

After the TDP came to power in Andhra Pradesh as a key supporter of the NDA government at the Centre, a special package for the state was considered a long-pending demand. The state now has high hopes from the government regarding this demand, but sources said the state finance minister only sought support for several projects including the construction of a new capital in Amaravati and the Polavaram dam project.

Kerala placed this demand in front of the government 

Kerala Finance Minister K N Balagopal on Saturday urged the Centre to announce a special package of Rs 24,000 crore for the southern state in the Union Budget 2024-25 to deal with the cash crunch being faced by the state. Kerala made this demand during a pre-budget meeting with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

Kerala demands a special package of Rs 24,000 crore 

Kerala Finance Minister K N Balagopal said in a speech, 'Keeping in view the contribution of the state in various sectors (including HDI, SDGs, start-ups and innovation) in maintaining national pride, a special package of at least Rs 24,000 crore may be announced in the Union Budget 2024-25 to address the current liquidity stress by earmarking it over a period of two years from 2024-25.'

Chhattisgarh raised the issue of agricultural products

States like Chhattisgarh also demanded lifting of the ban on export of rice and other agricultural products to ensure adequate supply in the domestic market. The BJP-ruled state also sought funds for Naya Raipur, demanding changes in the spending norms for the District Mineral Fund.

Haryana's finance minister made this demand from the government

Haryana Finance Minister Jai Prakash Dalal on Saturday sought special grant-in-aid from the Centre for the implementation of various projects in the NCR, including the 122-km-long Haryana Orbital Rail Corridor from Palwal to Sonipat and the Delhi-Panipat Fast Rail Corridor at a cost of Rs 11,600 crore. 

Tamil Nadu demands Rs 63,000 crore 

At the same time, Tamil Nadu Finance Minister Thangam Thenarasu demanded a budgetary provision of Rs 63,000 crore for the second phase of Chennai Metro Rail, which has been pending for three years awaiting CCEA approval. Apart from this, Finance Minister Thangam Thenarasu demanded funds for other projects. The Finance Minister also demanded funds for disaster relief.