States should not shy away from reforms, says Chandrababu Naidu

States should not shy away from reforms for the sake of politics, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu said on Thursday.

"We have to do reforms. Economic reforms are not against the common man. You can keep people happy and do reforms. Economic reforms and social benefits can be integrated for economic growth," Naidu said at an India Economic Summit session on governance in states.

Naidu has recently taken charge as chief minister of the now divided Andhra Pradesh and has a huge task of building the state and services.

In his previous stint as chief minister of the undivided Andhra Pradesh during 1995-2004, Naidu was known more for his tech-savvy image and industry-friendly policies.

This raised criticism that the state focused more on growth, due to which a large section of the population was left aside. Naidu also lost elections thereafter, apparently for his primary focus on the development of Hyderabad.

"I learnt in the last 10 years that one needs to keep his political mandate in mind," Naidu said. On the challenges that the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh and creation of the new state of Telangana posed, Naidu said the challenges have also given a lot of opportunities.

Naidu, an ally of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance at the Centre, attacked the previous Congress-led United Progressive Alliance government and blamed it for corruption, non-performance and a policy paralysis. In what appeared to be a praise of the NDA government, Naidu said, "There is a new energy in India. This is an inspiring time for everyone after suffering of 10 years", he said.

Naidu said he has to build a new state and so has prepared seven missions and five grids for a focused approach. He has identified priority areas like industry, infrastructure, knowledge, water, gas and fibre optic network. "I want to promote 'Make in Andhra Pradesh' as a part of the 'Make in India' initiative of the central government," he said.

Promising his support to industry, Naidu said if an investment proposal is genuine and right, his government can promise all related clearances in one month.