In a spirited response to recent comments made by former Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu regarding the Polavaram project, YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) leader and former minister Ambati Rambabu has demanded clarity on Naidu’s involvement in a project that he believes should have been managed by the central government. Speaking at the YSRCP central office in Tadepalli on Wednesday, Rambabu criticized Naidu for his claims concerning the project’s development and its challenges.
Rambabu stated, “Naidu has a history of not constructing significant projects, so it raises the question of why he is now taking ownership of the Polavaram project.” He accused Naidu of repeatedly spreading falsehoods, citing Prime Minister Modi’s remarks that Naidu has exploited the project for political gain, akin to using an ATM. “In the case of the Rayalaseema Lift Irrigation project, Naidu has jeopardized Andhra’s interests while favoring Telangana,” Rambabu added, emphasizing the negative impact on the people of Rayalaseema.
Rambabu also took aim at Naidu’s engineering capabilities, asserting that he lacks the knowledge necessary for constructing essential components like the diaphragm wall and the copper dams required for the project. “If Naidu is so knowledgeable, why hasn’t he provided answers on how the diaphragm was established without the copper dams?” he challenged. He highlighted that the achievements in diverting the river and completing the spillway belong solely to the current Jagan Mohan Reddy government, dismissing Naidu’s claims of only 2% completion as mere lies aimed at misleading the public.
The former minister further criticized Naidu for allegedly sabotaging the Polavaram project, which he described as a dream for YSR and the people of Andhra Pradesh. “Naidu has reduced the height of the Polavaram dam from 45.72 meters to 41.15 meters, effectively turning it into a mere barrage,” Rambabu remarked. He questioned Naidu’s previous stance on the Rayalaseema Lift Irrigation project, asking why it was labeled unnecessary only after Revanth Reddy’s comments surfaced.
Rambabu issued a challenge to Naidu, calling for a discussion on the Polavaram project and urging him to send his minister of water resources for a dialogue. He emphasized that the demand for a separate state for Rayalaseema has existed for a long time but insisted that it is not a justified objective. He criticized Naidu’s vision of building the capital over a vast area, arguing that the state lacks the capacity and resources for such a large-scale project.
Moreover, Rambabu accused Naidu of financial misconduct, suggesting that he is diverting funds to benefit associates, particularly alleging that a significant portion of the money has been funneled to Pawan Kalyan, Naidu’s brother. He stated that the public is increasingly dissatisfied with Naidu’s administration, expressing that more citizens believe that Jagan is the better leader. “People are convinced that Jagan will return to power,” Rambabu concluded, underlining the growing sentiment against Naidu’s leadership in the state.
