PM Modi on Monday said that his government had not increased taxes in his tenure, but that has not reduced the pace of development while addressing a public rally.

While listing out the various projects in Andhra Pradesh, he appreciated the honest taxpayers saying that the implementation of the various welfare projects was possible because of them.

He spoke of how the previous governments had complained of a shortage of funds to implement projects. With an evident reference to Defence Minister AK Antony's remarks, Modi said, "(They) said there is no money even to buy Rafale (aircraft)."

Antony in 2014, had said that the government had no money to buy 126 Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft when it was negotiating for the purchase of the French-made aeroplane.

Calling out at Mr Naidu, Modi alleged that the TDP wanted to delay the Polavaram irrigation project.

He said that Naidu’s government had accorded priority to it and had therefore approved it in the first cabinet meeting after coming to power in 2014, adding that the Centre has so far released Rs.7,000 crore to the state.

He hit out at the party while saying "On the one hand, they are not spending it rightly and on the other, are delaying it.”

He called the project a question of "life and death" for farmers as its implementation would also meet drinking water requirements.