YSRCP State Coordinator Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy has strongly criticized the Andhra Pradesh government, alleging that the construction of Amaravati as the state capital is placing an enormous debt burden on the state. He expressed concern that the loans being raised for capital development would ultimately become a financial burden on the people. According to Sajjala, every development decision should prioritize public welfare and should not leave future generations with mounting debt.
Government Must Clarify the Actual Capital Core Area
Sajjala stated that the government claims the Mavigan region is suitable for development, adding that it falls within the areas previously suggested by YSRCP as well. However, he questioned the government’s lack of clarity regarding the exact core area of the capital. He also pointed out that the government has a responsibility to develop and return the lands promised to farmers under the land pooling scheme but is allegedly treating farmers’ concerns as a low priority.
₹47,000 Crore Could Have Funded Several Key Development Projects
The YSRCP leader claimed that the state government has already borrowed nearly ₹47,000 crore for Amaravati-related development. He argued that the same amount could have been utilized to complete several important infrastructure projects, including the Machilipatnam Port, new medical colleges, the Handri-Neeva Project, and the Rayalaseema Lift Irrigation Scheme. Instead of investing heavily in the capital alone, the government should focus on projects that directly benefit the public, he said.
Questioning Government Decisions Is the Opposition’s Responsibility
Sajjala emphasized that it is the opposition’s democratic responsibility to question the government’s decisions on behalf of the people. He alleged that despite raising concerns over pending projects, government policies, and financial decisions, the ruling party leaders have responded only with criticism instead of providing answers. In a democracy, he said, governments are accountable to the people and must respond to legitimate public questions.
Raises Concerns Over Amaravati Construction Costs
Expressing doubts over the expenditure on Amaravati, Sajjala claimed that the construction cost is estimated at nearly ₹20,000 per square foot. He said that anyone questioning these expenses faces severe criticism from the government. He demanded complete transparency in all public-funded projects and called upon the government to disclose detailed expenditure figures to the public.
Warns Against Additional ₹2 Lakh Crore Debt Burden
Sajjala stated that as a major political party supported by nearly 40 percent of the state’s voters, YSRCP has every right to question the government’s decisions. He warned that with Andhra Pradesh already carrying debt worth several lakh crore rupees, adding another ₹2 lakh crore for Amaravati’s construction could severely impact the state’s financial health and increase the burden on citizens. He urged the government to act responsibly, avoid imposing additional financial pressure on the public, and ensure complete transparency in all projects funded with taxpayers’ money.
