Sitharaman Brought India's Financial System to Amaravati: AP Minister Payyavula Keshav

Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh Finance Minister Payyavula Keshav showered praise on Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday, calling her the "real fuel" of the "double-engine government" and crediting her with bringing the "entire financial system of the country" to Amaravati.

Speaking at a foundation stone laying ceremony for the offices of several national banks and insurance corporations in the state capital, Keshav said the presence of top financial institutions marked a historic day for the state.

"Today, Nirmala Sitharaman has not come alone; she has brought the entire financial system of the country with her to Amaravati," he declared. "The presence of heads of the country's largest banks and institutions like LIC is a testament to this. We no longer need a better example to say that Amaravati, not Mumbai, is the center of the nation's economy today."

He shared personal insights into her working style, describing her as a disciplined leader.
 "People say she is very strict, but that strictness is like the love of a mother. A household cannot be on the right path if the mother isn't firm," Keshav explained. "She is only strict when the state's interests or financial discipline are at stake. She has no tolerance for wasting time and comes to every meeting with complete homework. I was amazed by her command over the Polavaram issue."

Drawing a parallel, Keshav referred to Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu as a "tough headmaster," adding that every day felt like an examination. "We used to wonder how much stricter he must be with Nara Lokesh at home," he remarked. "But we are now seeing the results of that discipline in the transformation and growth of Lokesh, which is a testament to Chandrababu's leadership."

Payyavula Keshav concluded by expressing the state's gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the central government for their support in difficult times, noting that Sitharaman gives practical shape to the Prime Minister's vision, citing the swift implementation of GST reforms as an example.

The event was also attended by Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, Union Minister Pemmasani Chandrasekhar, State Minister Nara Lokesh, and several chairpersons and MDs of national banks.