The political controversy over “credit theft” has once again come to the fore in Andhra Pradesh. Critics allege that, following the pattern associated with Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, the Jana Sena leadership, headed by Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, is also attempting to take credit for schemes and projects that were initiated during the previous YSRCP government.
Allegations Over Promotions of MPDOs
Critics point out that MPDOs (Mandal Parishad Development Officers) who had reportedly been waiting for promotions for nearly 25 years were given promotions following the special initiative of then Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy.
It is also alleged that, to strengthen the functioning of the Village and Ward Secretariat system, the previous government created Divisional Development Officer (DLDO) posts under the Panchayat Raj Department.
However, allegations were raised against the Jana Sena that the letter “L” was subsequently removed from the designation, changing DLDO to DDO, and that the credit for providing promotions to thousands of employees was being claimed by the new administration.
Pulivendula Mega Water Grid Sparks Fresh Controversy
A similar controversy has now emerged over the Pulivendula Mega Water Grid Project.
The project was taken up under the Jal Jeevan Mission with an estimated cost of around ₹480 crore. Its objective was to provide drinking water to nearly 5.5 lakh people across seven mandals.
The project was formally launched in 2021, when then Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy laid the foundation stone and initiated the works.
80% Work Reportedly Completed Before 2024 Elections
According to claims cited by critics, the agency executing the project, MEGA, had stated through its official platforms that around 80% of the project work had been completed by the time of the 2024 elections.
This has led to a key question: If nearly 80% of the work had already been completed before the change in government, why did it take almost two more years for the remaining 20% to be completed?
The question has become central to the ongoing political debate.
Jana Sena Social Media Campaign Under Fire
After the remaining works were completed, the project was promoted through official Jana Sena social media channels, triggering criticism from the opposition.
Critics allege that the project, which was conceived, sanctioned and substantially executed during the YSRCP government, is now being presented as an achievement of the coalition government.
The opposition argues that taking credit for completing the final portion of an already substantially completed project does not amount to owning the entire project.
Why Did the Remaining Work Take Two Years?
The biggest question being raised by critics concerns the delay in completing the remaining works.
If approximately 80% of the project had already been completed by 2024, critics argue that the coalition government should explain why the remaining 20% took nearly two years.
According to the criticism, the government has a responsibility to explain the reasons for the delay instead of focusing solely on claiming political credit for the project’s completion.
Political Impact on Pawan Kalyan
The controversy could also have political implications for Pawan Kalyan and the Jana Sena.
Political critics argue that repeatedly claiming credit for projects initiated during the previous government could affect Pawan Kalyan’s political image, particularly if the original history of such projects becomes a subject of public debate.
There is also criticism that the Jana Sena social media wing’s aggressive promotion of government achievements may ultimately create more political damage than benefit for the party.
Conclusion
The Pulivendula Mega Water Grid controversy has once again brought the issue of political credit for government projects into focus in Andhra Pradesh.
While completing pending works is certainly an achievement for any government, critics argue that the history of a project including when it was conceived, sanctioned, launched and substantially executed cannot be ignored.
The key questions now being raised are who initiated the project, how much work had already been completed before the 2024 elections, and why the remaining work took nearly two years. How the coalition government and Jana Sena respond to these questions could determine the political narrative surrounding the Pulivendula water project.
