HYDERABAD:  "The state has a bright future. I hope all parties will help the government develop it on all fronts and make it prosperous,'' is the birthday message of chief minister K Rosaiah.

The chief minister, who is turning 78 years on Sunday, has a look back on his 60yearlong political career and expressed his views on the development of the state. ``I took a plunge into active politics at a young age. In the 60 years of my journey in public affairs, several opportunities came my way. These, including the chief-ministership, are meant to serve people. I consider the opportunities as blessings from God. My life's ambition is to attain salvation by serving the people.''

Spelling out his feelings on the eve of his birthday, he said that both rural and urban areas should develop on the same scale and the government allocated Rs 3,842 crore for rural and Rs 3,261 crore for urban areas in this financial year. ``There is a need to focus on the agricultural sector. The efforts of former chief minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy are yielding fruits now. The free power immensely helped the farmers; about 27 lakh of them are enjoying the benefit. The scheme also generated or revived interest in agriculture, and more and more are taking to farming. This again is helping in increasing foodgrain production,'' Rosaiah said.

As for industry, the chief minister said that unless it was given prominence quick development was not possible. ``The aim of the government is to attract Rs 75,000crore investment, creation of 25 lakh employment and creation of 6.5 lakh opportunities in the information technology sector in the next five years. To create infrastructure for industry, the government will spend about Rs 2,284 crore and to create employment opportunities to the rural youth steps are being taken,'' he said.

Rosaiah claimed that the state had the blessings of UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and prime minister Manmohan Singh. Waiver of loans to the tune of Rs 13,000 crore in the state _ out of Rs 72,000 crore in the country _ was a big example of the two leaders' soft corner for the state, he said.