APCC President Y.S. Sharmila has alleged that CM Chandrababu Naidu is taking undue credit for the Polavaram canal works, which were 90% completed during YSR's tenure.

  • APCC President Y.S. Sharmila accused CM N. Chandrababu Naidu of claiming credit for irrigation works initiated by Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy.
  • Sharmila claims nearly 90% of the Polavaram canal works were completed during the YSR administration.
  • The Congress leader highlighted that the current government has only undertaken minor modifications.

In a sharp political escalation, Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) President Y.S. Sharmila has accused Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu of misappropriating the credit for the Polavaram irrigation project. Sharmila stated that the extensive canal works associated with the project were largely executed during the tenure of her father, the late former Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy (YSR).

Addressing the media and social platforms, Sharmila pointed out the irony in the Chief Minister's current stance. She noted that while Mr. Naidu is now projecting himself as a champion of irrigation, he had previously expressed reservations about the Polavaram project and the 'Jalayagnam' programme while serving in the Opposition.

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Historical Context of the Project

According to the details provided by the APCC chief, the foundation for the Polavaram irrigation system was laid long ago. The YSR government obtained the necessary administrative approvals in 2004 and allocated approximately ₹2,680 crore for the project. Significant land acquisition and major canal construction were completed well before 2009.

Sharmila emphasized that nearly 90% of the canal network was already in place before the main dam works saw significant progress. She argued that the current water supply via the LMC from Purushottapatnam and Pushkara lift irrigation schemes is a direct consequence of the infrastructure built under YSR's leadership.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that this dispute is more than just a rhetorical battle; it is a strategic attempt to capture the narrative surrounding rural development and irrigation in Andhra Pradesh. As the state looks toward future infrastructure goals, the debate over 'who built what' will heavily influence voter sentiment in agrarian belts.

'Political credit-claiming regarding mega-projects often obscures the technical complexities and the long-term administrative continuity required for such endeavors.'

The Congress leader further alleged that the current administration has only performed minor works, yet is attempting to present the entire canal network as a monumental achievement of the present government. This clash underscores the intense rivalry between the TDP and Congress in the state's political landscape.

Did You Know?: The Polavaram project is a multi-purpose irrigation project on the Godavari River, designed to benefit millions of farmers.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the core of Sharmila's allegation?
She alleges that CM Naidu is taking credit for canal works that were 90% completed during YSR's government.

2. How much funding was involved in the initial YSR phase?
The YSR government had allocated ₹2,680 crore for the project's early stages.