TDP Launches Scathing Attack on Jagan Mohan Reddy Before Juvvaladinne Harbour Visit
The ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) in Andhra Pradesh has launched a fierce political offensive against former chief minister and YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) president Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy, just ahead of his scheduled visit to the Juvvaladinne fishing harbour on Wednesday. TDP ministers have sharply criticized Reddy, questioning the motives behind his visit and accusing his late father, former chief minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy, of deliberately stalling the crucial infrastructure project during his tenure.
Minister Questions Jagan's Intent and Family Legacy
Revenue, Registration and Stamps Minister Anagani Satya Prasad led the charge, openly questioning with what face Jagan Mohan Reddy is returning to Juvvaladinne. Prasad asserted that the project only gained real momentum after the TDP came to power in 2014, following years of stagnation under previous administrations. He specifically pointed to the role of Jagan's father, Y S Rajasekhara Reddy, alleging that he stopped both the Ramayapatnam port and the Juvvaladinne harbour development to protect the interests of Krishnapatnam port and agreements made by his government.
Project Development Under TDP and Current NDA Initiative
Despite what Prasad described as strained relations between the TDP-led state government and the BJP-led central government at the time, approvals for the Juvvaladinne project were secured with an outlay of ₹288 crore. He credited then Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu for providing crucial support, noting that the project was actively taken forward by March 2019. According to the minister, the current NDA government is now developing Juvvaladinne as the country's first autonomous maritime shipyard with an investment of ₹288.80 crore. This initiative is expected to benefit approximately 25,000 fishing families and provide safe berthing for over 1,200 boats.
Allegations Against YSRCP Government's Performance
Prasad further alleged that the YSRCP government, which succeeded the TDP in 2019, awarded contracts for the harbour but failed to complete the project in over five years of its administration. He accused Jagan Mohan Reddy of spreading falsehoods about the project being privatized and attempting to provoke local opposition through misinformation. The minister emphasized that the current development is a government-led initiative aimed at public welfare, not privatization.
Additional Criticism from Endowments Minister
Endowments Minister Anam Ramnarayana Reddy also joined in criticizing Jagan's proposed visit, alleging that the opposition leader is attempting to incite unrest and political turmoil in the region. Both ministers presented the TDP's narrative that:
- The project was stalled during Y S Rajasekhara Reddy's tenure
- Significant progress was made only under TDP governance
- The YSRCP government failed to complete the project despite having five years
- The current NDA initiative represents genuine development for fishing communities
The political confrontation highlights the ongoing bitter rivalry between the TDP and YSRCP in Andhra Pradesh, with infrastructure projects becoming focal points for electoral narratives and accusations. The Juvvaladinne fishing harbour has now emerged as a symbolic battleground where both parties are contesting credit for development and assigning blame for delays.
