Vijayawada: The YSR Congress Party has accused the Chandrababu Naidu-led state government of turning the capital city Amaravati project into a massive scandal characterized by large-scale corruption. Addressing the media on Friday, party state coordinator Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy described Amaravati as a 'never-ending scam story' and accused Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu of focusing the project primarily for 'wealth creation for himself and his close associates.'
Allegations of Neglect and Financial Imprudence
Reddy alleged that the government's excessive attention on Amaravati has come at the cost of neglecting other regions and key public issues across the state. He took strong exception to the recent cabinet approval of tenders for additional fittings for the new secretariat complex at a cost of Rs 2,540 crore. He claimed that the estimated construction cost per square foot could reach Rs 18,000, which he termed significantly higher than prevailing market rates.
'The government is resorting to brazen corrupt practices as the cabinet has been clearing approvals for spending of hundreds of crores in the guise of capital city structures. No government will spend Rs 3,000 crore just to erect mirrors and interiors in the secretariat buildings,' said Sajjala. He stated that the cabinet is not taking up any proposal that resolves the people's grievances.
Comparisons with Previous Proposals
The YSRCP leader also referred to the earlier 'Mavigan' proposal put forward by former Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy, which received wider public acceptance due to its economic viability and better connectivity to ports, highways, and airports. Sajjala criticized the government for allegedly ignoring pressing issues such as minimum support price for farmers and implementation of welfare schemes.
He said that while the state claims financial constraints in establishing medical colleges and other public infrastructure, it is willing to spend heavily on Amaravati projects, benefiting contractors. He accused the government of deliberately prolonging the capital construction works to facilitate financial gains through inflated contracts. 'The rising project costs indicate where the priorities lie,' he remarked.
Political Targeting and Future Plans
Sajjala also alleged that the ruling coalition has been targeting YSRCP leadership and cadre through irrelevant issues and harassment, but asserted that the party would continue to fight back politically with renewed strength in the coming days.
