Irrespective of the nature of the upcoming 2018 AP Budget, the oppositions are preparing themselves for a blatant ant attack on the TDP Government. This will be the first time, the (residual) Andhra Pradesh budget will be trespassing the Rs 2 Lakh crore line post the state-bifurcation.

After the bifurcation in 2014, the AP State budget began with Rs 1.11 Lakh crores and has been increasing every year. With reports that elections will be called for in Dec 2018 – Jan 2019, against the scheduled May 2019, the TDP Government has taken utmost measure, to lure all sectors of the society with its latest budget.

Irrigation Projects, Employment Schemes, Pensions, welfare programs, and other ‘manifesto sops’ are likely to receive surpluses funds this time around. Finance Minister Yanamala Ramakrishnudu has ensured that sufficient weight is given to SC, ST, BC, and Minority communities in the budget.

Meanwhile, the intellectuals are criticizing the government over its budget proposal. Many senior bureaucrats have termed the budget as ‘Election’ budget, rather than a path to development and re-construction of Andhra Pradesh. With a stiff opposition like YSRCP and Pawan Kalyan who turned out to be a thorn in the flesh, is maligning the chances of TDP to an extent in the next assembly elections.