Senior YSRCP leader Dharmana Prasada Rao has alleged that the Bhogapuram International Airport project was built on the foundation laid by former CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, accusing the current NDA government of claiming undue credit.

Key Takeaways

  • Dharmana Prasada Rao credits YS Jagan Mohan Reddy for the Bhogapuram Airport foundation.
  • YSRCP claims ₹1,200 crore was spent on land acquisition and infrastructure by the previous government.
  • Allegations made against the NDA government for attempting to claim credit for the project.
  • Concerns raised regarding the incomplete connectivity roads between Vizag and the airport.

Addressing a press conference at the YSRCP office in Visakhapatnam on Wednesday, former Minister and senior leader Dharmana Prasada Rao asserted that the Alluri Sitharama Raju International Airport (Bhogapuram) was made possible solely due to the strategic efforts of former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy.

Mr. Dharmana detailed that in May 2023, Mr. Jagan laid the foundation stone after ensuring complex processes such as land acquisition, comprehensive rehabilitation and resettlement packages, and securing vital clearances from various Central departments. He emphasized that water and power arrangements were also finalized during the previous administration.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that this confrontation highlights the intense political tug-of-war in Andhra Pradesh, where infrastructure projects become battlegrounds for political legitimacy. The dispute over who 'built' the airport can significantly impact public perception of both the outgoing and incoming governments.

The battle for credit over mega-infrastructure projects often overshadows the actual progress of the project itself.

The YSRCP leader further alleged that approximately ₹1,200 crore was invested by the previous government toward land compensation and infrastructure requirements. He criticized the current NDA government, noting that despite two years in power, the essential connectivity roads linking Visakhapatnam to the Bhogapuram Airport remain incomplete.

Historical Background

The Bhogapuram International Airport project was conceived to alleviate the pressure on Visakhapatnam's existing airport and to foster rapid economic growth in the coastal region. It is envisioned as a major hub for international trade and tourism in South India.

Did You Know?: The Bhogapuram project is designed to be a world-class facility, significantly boosting the logistics sector in Andhra Pradesh.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the main allegation by Dharmana Prasada Rao?
He alleges that the current NDA government is trying to claim credit for an airport project that was actually initiated and funded by YS Jagan Mohan Reddy's government.

2. How much did the previous government spend on the project?
According to YSRCP, the previous government spent around ₹1,200 crore on land acquisition and related infrastructure.