The JNTU hostel buildings in Narasaraopet have triggered a fresh political controversy, with the YSRCP accusing Minister Nara Lokesh of attempting to take credit for a project initiated and substantially completed during the previous YSRCP government.
The foundation stone for the project was laid in 2021, and construction works were taken up with funds allocated during the Jagan government. According to the available details, a significant portion of the construction had already been completed.
The YSRCP is now questioning why the credit for the project is being claimed by the present government when the foundation, funding and major construction work were carried out during the previous regime.
Foundation Stone Laid in 2021 Under Jagan Government
Construction of hostel buildings at JNTU Narasaraopet was taken up to provide better accommodation facilities for students.
The foundation stone for the hostel buildings was laid in 2021. During the Jagan government, funds were allocated for the project and construction works were taken forward.
This was not merely a project that existed on paper. The buildings had already reached significant stages of construction under the previous government.
The YSRCP argues that its government not only laid the foundation but also took the project to a crucial stage of completion.
Three Major Hostel Buildings at a Cost of ₹65.88 Crore
According to the details available in the clipping, three major hostel buildings were taken up at JNTU Narasaraopet with a total estimated cost of ₹65.88 crore.
1. Boys’ Hostel Block – ₹32.88 Crore
The Boys’ Hostel Block, comprising a completed G+3 block, two additional blocks and a mess block, was sanctioned at a cost of ₹32.88 crore.
The construction was reportedly 70% complete.
2. Girls’ Hostel Block – ₹17.80 Crore
A Girls’ Hostel Block was sanctioned at a cost of ₹17.80 crore.
The key point is that the construction had reportedly reached 85% completion.
3. Additional Girls’ Hostel Block – ₹15.20 Crore
An additional G+3 Girls’ Hostel Block was sanctioned at a cost of ₹15.20 crore.
The construction was reportedly 65% complete.
Thus, the three hostel projects together represent a major ₹65.88-crore infrastructure project, according to the figures mentioned in the clipping.
How Can Lokesh Take Credit After 85% of the Work Was Completed?
This is where the political controversy begins.
Foundation stone in 2021, allocation of funds under the Jagan government, commencement of construction and construction progress of 70%, 85% and 65%—the YSRCP argues that these details clearly establish the previous government’s role in the project.
The party is questioning whether taking credit for the project after most of the construction work has already been completed amounts to “credit theft.”
In particular, the reported 85% completion of the Girls’ Hostel Block is being highlighted by the YSRCP as evidence of the extent to which the project had progressed under the previous government.
The party questions whether it is fair for a government that carried out most of the construction to receive little recognition while the government conducting the final-stage programme claims the entire credit.
Jagan Government Focused on Student Infrastructure
YSRCP leaders claim that the previous government placed considerable emphasis on improving infrastructure and facilities for students.
The JNTU Narasaraopet hostel buildings were also part of these infrastructure initiatives, they said.
The party is raising several questions:
Who built the hostels? Who allocated the funds? Who laid the foundation stone in 2021? Under whose tenure did the construction reach 70%, 85% and 65% completion?
According to YSRCP leaders, the answers to these questions can be established through the project records.
Photos and Foundation Plaques Cannot Change History
Political programmes may bring new photographs, foundation plaques and inauguration ceremonies into the spotlight. However, the YSRCP argues that the records from the date of the foundation stone to the progress of construction—show which government actually initiated and substantially executed the project.
If the project was launched during the Jagan government and construction had already reached as much as 85%, the party questions whether conducting an inauguration at the final stage and taking complete credit is politically justified.
The YSRCP says this is a question that Minister Nara Lokesh must answer.
YSRCP Slams Alleged “Credit Theft”
The YSRCP has strongly criticised the coalition government, particularly Minister Nara Lokesh, over the handling and promotion of the JNTU hostel projects in Narasaraopet.
“The foundation was laid during the Jagan government, construction was carried out during the Jagan government and the works reached up to 85% completion. Why is Lokesh now taking credit?” the party is questioning.
YSRCP leaders allege that highlighting only the final-stage programme while ignoring the project’s earlier history is an attempt to mislead the public.
85% Completed Under Jagan.. So Who Deserves the Credit?
The story of the JNTU Narasaraopet hostels has a documented timeline from the foundation stone to construction progress.
The foundation stone was laid in 2021. During the Jagan government, funds were allocated for the construction of three hostel buildings at a total cost of ₹65.88 crore, and construction works were taken up. The Boys’ Hostel reached 70% completion, the Girls’ Hostel 85%, and the additional Girls’ Hostel 65%, according to the details cited.
However, the YSRCP alleges that Lokesh is now attempting to take credit for the works carried out under the previous government.
The foundation was laid under Jagan. The construction was taken forward under Jagan. The project reached up to 85% completion under Jagan. So, who deserves the credit?
The YSRCP maintains that the records from the 2021 foundation stone ceremony to the construction progress provide the answer.
