A fierce political battle has broken out between former CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy and IT Minister Nara Lokesh over the construction credit of the Veligonda project, featuring allegations of 'fake inaugurations' and 'credit theft'.
- Intense political row between YSRCP and TDP over the Veligonda irrigation project.
- Jagan claims the bulk of tunnel excavation happened during his father's tenure.
- Nara Lokesh mocks the March 2024 inauguration as a 'waterless' event.
- Project aims to benefit 15.25 lakh people with drinking water and irrigate 4.47 lakh acres.
The political landscape of Andhra Pradesh has witnessed a fresh escalation as the Veligonda project becomes the center of a high-stakes credit war. Former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy and IT Minister Nara Lokesh are locked in a heated exchange over who deserves the legacy of completing this critical irrigation infrastructure.
YS Jagan Mohan Reddy took to social media to assert that while the foundation stone might have been laid by N. Chandrababu Naidu, the actual resolve and comprehensive construction were the achievements of his father, the late YS Rajasekhar Reddy. Jagan provided a detailed breakdown of the 37.587-km twin tunnels, claiming that 20.333 km were excavated between 2004 and 2014, during the YSR tenure.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that this dispute is a classic example of 'legacy politics' in India. In agricultural states like Andhra Pradesh, the delivery of water is the ultimate symbol of governance success. By framing the project as his father's vision, Jagan is attempting to reclaim the narrative of being the true champion of the poor and farmers, while the TDP seeks to expose the previous administration's perceived incompetence in actual execution.
Responding sharply, Nara Lokesh dismissed these claims by sharing visuals from the March 2024 inauguration. He ridiculed Jagan for 'creating history' by inaugurating an irrigation project that contained no water. Lokesh termed the event a 'fake inauguration,' suggesting that such a stunt was uniquely characteristic of the YSRCP's governance style.
"When infrastructure projects become political trophies, the technical milestones are often overshadowed by the narrative of who held the shovel first."
Historically, the Veligonda project was designed to divert Krishna river waters to the drought-prone districts of Prakasam, Kadapa, and Nellore. The project is a lifeline for millions suffering from fluorosis. Jagan further questioned why water had not reached the Nallamala Sagar in the 26 months since the tunnels were completed, while also raising concerns over pending rehabilitation payments for displaced families.
| Timeline | Excavation Progress | Claimant Party |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 - 2014 | 20.333 km | YSR (YSRCP) |
| 2014 - 2019 | 6.686 km | CBN (TDP) |
| 2019 - 2024 | 10.568 km | YS Jagan (YSRCP) |
The conflict has now expanded beyond the project itself, with Jagan demanding the completion of the Peddadornala super speciality hospital and the Markapuram Government Medical College, accusing the current administration of focusing on publicity gimmicks rather than grassroots completion.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the scale of the Veligonda project?
The project is designed to provide irrigation to 4.47 lakh acres of land and drinking water to approximately 15.25 lakh people.
2. What is the core of the dispute between Jagan and Lokesh?
The dispute centers on whether the project's success is due to the vision and work of YS Rajasekhar Reddy/Jagan or the administrative leadership of Chandrababu Naidu.
