On the issue of capital formation, chief minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy of Andhra Pradesh, criticised the previous administration’s decision to erect the state capital in Amaravati for no reason at all. Does it have to do with his “self respect” or ego, given that he doesn’t seem to be affected by the farmers’ protest?
Should Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy, who has undoubtedly won with a massive majority, criticise the previous Telugu Desam Party administration’s decision to erect the state capital in Amaravati for no reason at all? Does it have to do with his “self respect” or ego, given that Jagan doesn’t seem to be affected by the farmers’ protest, who, along with other like-minded individuals, are calling for the development of Amaravati as Andhra Pradesh’s sole capital, as decided by the state Assembly during the previous TDP administration led by Chandrababu Naidu.
Because Jagan, whose YSRCP was the main opposition party at the time, supported the choice on the House floor and even suggested buying at least 30,000 acres of land for the capital city’s construction.
However, after taking the reins of AP, Jagan changed his mind on Amaravati. The main reason seems to be the unconscionable delay by the Chandrababu Naidu government in finalising the designs for constructions and the perception in some quarters that people belonging mainly to the Kamma caste would end up dominating Amaravati with their head start in landholdings. So, the Jagan government, taking a leaf from the South African model, proposed to set up three capitals for AP. Noticeably, Jagan did not conduct a single meeting with the stakeholders on his drastically modified capital plans.
It may be mentioned here that till 1947, Lahore was the capital for the undivided Punjab state. The city of Chandigarh was built by renowned architect Le Corbusier. After further division of Punjab, Chandigarh has been continuing as the joint capital for both Punjab and Haryana. So, at time of bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh, some people wanted Hyderabad to be the joint capital on the lines of Chandigarh.
Hyderabad has since been declared as the joint capital for both Telangana and AP for 10 years as per the provisions of the AP Reorganisation Act, 2014. Both Chandrababu Naidu and Jagan were wrong in not pursuing to the hilt AP’s options to make the most of Hyderabad as the joint capital till completion of the stipulated 10 years.
Today Jagan is creating an impression that it is impossible to make Amaravati a capital. He is firm on his decision to set up three capitals of Visakhapatnam (executive), Amaravati (legislative) and Kurnool (Judiciary) in the name of decentralisation. The AP High Court has ruled in favour of farmers demanding Amaravati as the solitary capital for Andhra State. Six months after the HC’s decision, the Jagan government has approached the apex court for a stay on the HC’s verdict.
Everybody knows enough about the dismal position of the state finances. Yet, Chief Minister Jaganmohan Reddy has claimed on the floor of the House that the financial condition of the state is “very good” and not as bad as is being painted by the opposition parties.
The Padayatra of farmers in support of Amaravati is drawing crowds en route to Arasavilli Sun temple in Srikakulam district. The provocative methods being adopted by YSRCP are disgusting. How would it be for YSRCP cadre if their TDP counterparts put banners and flexi boards around the venue of their plenary? Jagan’s team is on tenterhooks as to whether the petition filed in the Supreme Court seeking a stay on HC orders will be admitted.
The Chief Minister is trying to give the idea that Amaravati will take 100 years to complete by painting a different picture. Whether or whether people would agree with his stance on Amaravati is a another issue. Will he drag out the Amaravati issue until the 2024 elections? is the bigger question. For detailed responses to their questions about the future capital of AP, people must wait for the apex court’s intervention. #KhabarLive #hydnews #hyderabadlive
