Political Debate Intensifies Over Development Project Credits
The Andhra Pradesh coalition government is facing criticism from political circles over allegations that it is claiming credit for development projects, industries, and welfare initiatives that were originally conceived and initiated during the tenure of former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy. Critics argue that instead of addressing concerns over the state’s financial condition, rising debt, and governance challenges, the government is rebranding and publicizing projects initiated by the previous administration as its own achievements.
Bhogapuram International Airport at the Centre of the Controversy
The Bhogapuram International Airport has emerged as one of the most cited examples in this debate. According to sections of the public in North Andhra, the Jagan government completed crucial groundwork for the project, including the acquisition of nearly 2,700 acres of land, securing key central government approvals, and preparing the master plan.
They point out that when the previous Telugu Desam Party (TDP) government laid the foundation stone, only 377 acres had reportedly been acquired and several mandatory clearances were still pending. Critics allege that after the successful trial run of the airport, the present government is attempting to claim full credit while overlooking the substantial groundwork carried out by the previous administration.
Veligonda Project: Credit Dispute Over Tunnel Completion
Similar allegations have surfaced regarding the Veligonda Project. Local groups argue that the record-time completion of Asia’s longest twin tunnels was achieved during the YSR and Jagan governments.
According to these claims, only 6.6 kilometres of tunnel excavation was completed during the Chandrababu Naidu government between 2014 and 2019, whereas 30.9 kilometres of work was completed during the combined tenure of the YSR and Jagan administrations.
Critics further allege that while rehabilitation of displaced families has been delayed under the current government, it is attempting to claim political credit during the project’s inauguration.
Visakhapatnam Data Centre Project Also Draws Criticism
The Visakhapatnam Data Centre Project has also become a subject of controversy. According to YSRCP leaders, the Jagan government signed an agreement in 2020 with the Adani Group for a ₹87,000 crore data centre project and initiated the process of connecting submarine cables from Singapore.
They allege that the current government is highlighting Google’s involvement and portraying the project as its own achievement while ignoring the project’s original timeline and groundwork.
Industrial Projects: Steel Plants Become Political Flashpoints
Criticism has also been directed at the government’s claims over major industrial investments.
YSRCP leaders state that the understanding for the ArcelorMittal Steel Project was reached during Jagan Mohan Reddy’s visit to the World Economic Forum in Davos in 2022. Similarly, they claim that the JSW Group was persuaded to establish the Kadapa Steel Plant, with land acquisition and other preparatory work being undertaken during the previous government.
They allege that the coalition government is now showcasing these projects as its own accomplishments.
Welfare Schemes Allegedly Rebranded
Opposition leaders also accuse the government of merely changing the names and colours of existing welfare initiatives.
They point to the statewide land resurvey programme, launched after nearly 100 years, which received Platinum Grading from the Central Government. According to critics, the current administration is distributing pattadar passbooks using the same survey data, QR codes, and design while only changing the cover colour.
They further allege that the cost of the passbooks has been increased, placing an additional financial burden on farmers.
DDO System Said to Be a Renamed Version of Earlier Initiative
Questions have also been raised over the Divisional Development Officer (DDO) system introduced by Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan.
According to critics, the earlier Jagan government had already introduced the DLDO system in 2020 by promoting MPDOs. They argue that the current administration has merely renamed the existing structure and presented it as a new administrative reform.
Police Constable Recruitment Sparks Political Claims
The recruitment of police constables has also become part of the political debate.
YSRCP leaders note that the previous government issued notifications for 6,100 constable posts in 2022 and completed the preliminary examinations. They allege that those who had earlier challenged the recruitment process in courts are now claiming credit by distributing appointment letters under the current government.
RTC Bus Procurement Also Under Scrutiny
The opposition has also questioned the government’s claims regarding the induction of 1,459 APSRTC buses.
According to YSRCP, the procurement process worth approximately ₹700 crore had already been completed during the Jagan administration, and the present government is merely taking delivery of those buses while portraying them as its own initiative.
More Projects Added to the List of Alleged Credit Claims
The opposition has further alleged that the coalition government is taking credit for several other initiatives originally initiated under the previous administration, including:
- Kurnool Gold Mine Project
- Food Safety Laboratory at Tirumala
- Restoration of FCRA approval for the RDT organisation
- Development works at the Gandi Temple
- Several infrastructure and industrial initiatives across the state
According to critics, these projects are being showcased without acknowledging the groundwork laid by the previous government.
Government Yet to Respond to the Allegations
Political observers say the controversy has intensified as allegations continue that the coalition government is rebranding development initiatives undertaken during the Jagan administration instead of presenting fresh governance achievements.
Critics argue that the government is attempting to divert public attention from issues such as fiscal challenges and administrative shortcomings by claiming ownership of projects initiated by the previous regime.
The coalition government has yet to issue a detailed response to these allegations, making the issue a significant topic of political discussion in Andhra Pradesh.
