The way the coalition government is functioning in Andhra Pradesh is strengthening criticism that it is prioritising an “Everything is Amaravati” approach over balanced regional development. Concerns are growing, particularly in Rayalaseema, that administrative, educational, medical and industrial institutions are increasingly being concentrated around Amaravati at the expense of other regions.
People in Rayalaseema feel that institutions, projects and educational opportunities that were supposed to come to the region are gradually being shifted elsewhere. The latest decision to relocate the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) institution sanctioned for Tirupati to Amaravati has intensified the controversy.
NIELIT Shift From Tirupati to Amaravati Triggers Anger
Rayalaseema residents have strongly objected to the government’s decision to allocate land in Amaravati for the prestigious NIELIT institution that was originally proposed for Tirupati.
Critics allege that instead of bringing new institutions to Amaravati, the government is shifting institutions allocated to other regions to the capital in the name of capital development. Regional activists argue that this is not merely the relocation of one institution but a reflection of the government’s approach towards Rayalaseema.
Rayalaseema’s Long-Standing Demand for a Fair Share
Since the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh, demands for a fair share of development and institutions for Rayalaseema have continued. As a region historically considered backward, Rayalaseema requires special attention and targeted development measures.
However, critics allege that successive governments have failed to adequately address the region’s concerns and that institutions originally intended for Rayalaseema are now being redirected towards Amaravati.
AIIMS Issue: Another Setback for Rayalaseema?
A similar argument has been raised over the establishment of AIIMS. Following the bifurcation of the state, there were proposals to establish AIIMS in Anantapur in the Rayalaseema region. However, the institution was eventually established at Mangalagiri in Guntur district.
Rayalaseema residents continue to argue that establishing a premier medical institution in one of the state’s relatively backward regions could have provided a major boost to healthcare, education and the local economy.
Kurnool High Court Bench Demand Continues
The demand for a High Court Bench in Kurnool, linked to the historical Sri Bagh Pact, has also remained unresolved for decades.
Although political assurances have been made regarding a High Court Bench for Kurnool, Rayalaseema leaders allege that successive governments have failed to translate those promises into action.
There is growing dissatisfaction that the demand to give Kurnool a stronger judicial role is being ignored while administrative power continues to remain concentrated elsewhere. Regional organisations have warned that they may intensify their agitation if immediate steps are not taken to establish a High Court Bench.
Rayalaseema Lift Irrigation Project Becomes Political Flashpoint
The Rayalaseema Lift Irrigation Project has also become a major political issue following remarks attributed to Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy.
Revanth Reddy reportedly claimed that the Chandrababu government stopped the Rayalaseema lift irrigation works because he had sought such a decision. The remarks triggered strong reactions in Rayalaseema.
Farmer organisations are demanding a clear explanation from the Andhra Pradesh government. Critics argue that statements concerning a project crucial to Rayalaseema’s irrigation interests cannot be ignored and that the government must clearly explain its position.
“What Happens If 20 TMC of Water Is Lost?” Debate
Remarks attributed to Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu questioning the significance of losing 20 TMC of water have further angered farmers in the region.
Farmers argue that every TMC of water is extremely important for Rayalaseema, a region that has historically faced drought and water scarcity. For them, access to irrigation water is not a luxury but a matter of livelihood and survival.
KC Canal Farmers Raise Irrigation Concerns
Fresh anger has emerged over the reported non-release of irrigation water to KC Canal ayacut farmers, despite the water level in the Srisailam reservoir crossing 878 feet.
Farmers allege that their crops are drying up while the government has failed to respond adequately. They are questioning why water is being extensively used for power generation while farmers in Rayalaseema are allegedly not receiving their legitimate share.
MLA’s Crop Advice Sparks Controversy
Remarks by Proddatur MLA Varadarajulu Reddy have added to farmers’ concerns. His reported suggestion that KC Canal farmers should not depend on irrigation water and should shift from paddy to dry-land crops has triggered criticism.
Farmers are asking whether ensuring irrigation is the government’s responsibility or whether farmers should simply change their cropping patterns because the government cannot provide water.
Pulivendula Medical College Seats Issue
The medical education sector has also become a source of controversy. The state government’s reported decision to write to the National Medical Commission (NMC) seeking cancellation of MBBS seats allotted to Pulivendula Medical College has drawn strong criticism.
The NMC had reportedly sanctioned 50 seats, after which the government sought their cancellation. Rayalaseema residents are questioning the rationale behind such a decision.
At a time when states are competing to secure more medical education seats, critics argue that asking for already-sanctioned seats to be cancelled reflects a lack of commitment towards the future of students in Rayalaseema.
Andhra Pragathi Grameena Bank Headquarters Row
The reported decision to shift the headquarters of Andhra Pragathi Grameena Bank (APGB) from Kadapa to Amaravati has also triggered protests in Kadapa and surrounding districts.
Stakeholders fear that the move could affect local employment opportunities and weaken the institutional and economic base of a region that is already considered economically backward.
Critics argue that moving major institutions away from Rayalaseema could further reduce the region’s economic activity and institutional importance.
Kopparthi MSME Technology Centre Controversy
Another major point of contention is the proposal to shift the MSME Technology Centre-cum-Testing Facility, initially planned for the Kopparthi Mega Industrial Hub in YSR Kadapa district, to the Amaravati region.
The proposed centre was estimated to involve an investment of around ₹250 crore. Rayalaseema residents argue that such facilities are particularly important for an industrially developing region like Kopparthi.
Experts and regional activists fear that relocating such institutions to the capital region could widen existing regional disparities instead of reducing them.
Is Amaravati Development Coming at the Cost of Other Regions?
The series of developments raises several questions.
If the government is unable to attract enough new institutions to Amaravati, is shifting institutions already allocated to other regions really a model of development?
At a time when backward regions require special incentives and investment, does taking away opportunities already allocated to them amount to balanced development?
These are the questions increasingly being raised across Rayalaseema.
Capital Development Is Important, But So Is Regional Balance
There is no denying that Amaravati’s development is important for Andhra Pradesh. However, the development of the state cannot simply mean constructing buildings and institutions around the capital.
True development also requires equal opportunities for all regions, special attention to backward areas, decentralisation of educational and medical institutions, industrial development outside the capital region, and equitable distribution of infrastructure and employment opportunities.
Political analysts argue that the concerns emerging from Rayalaseema should not simply be dismissed as political criticism. The government needs to explain the rationale behind a series of decisions that appear to be increasing the concentration of institutions in and around Amaravati.
“Everything for Amaravati?” Rayalaseema Seeks Answers
Rayalaseema voices warn that if the government cannot bring new institutions to Amaravati and instead shifts institutions originally intended for Rayalaseema to the capital region, calling it development could deepen regional inequalities rather than promote balanced growth.
The fundamental question now being raised is straightforward:
Should Andhra Pradesh develop as a whole, with every region receiving a fair share of opportunities, or should development remain increasingly concentrated around Amaravati?
Rayalaseema residents are demanding that the government provide clear answers and demonstrate through its policies that the development of Amaravati will not come at the cost of the development of Rayalaseema or other regions of Andhra Pradesh.
