Mavigun is a better, cost-effective option than Amaravati, says Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy

In a significant political move, Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy, the State Coordinator of the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), emphasized that Mavigun—comprising the regions of Machilipatnam, Vijayawada, and Guntur—is a more viable and cost-effective alternative to the ongoing Amaravati capital project. Speaking at a press conference held at the YSRCP central office in Guntur district, Mr. Reddy highlighted several reasons why Mavigun is considered a better choice. According to him, Mavigun boasts superior road, rail, and air connectivity, along with existing infrastructure that can be readily utilized for development purposes. This, he argues, reduces the financial burden significantly compared to building a new capital from scratch.

Mr. Reddy noted that the YSRCP President, Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, has clearly articulated the party's stance on Mavigun, emphasizing its advantages over Amaravati in various aspects. He pointed out that the construction efforts in Amaravati face challenges due to unsuitable soil conditions, citing the findings of the Sivaramakrishnan Committee, which indicated that the agricultural land in Amaravati is not suitable for such extensive construction projects. Furthermore, Mr. Reddy criticized the current government led by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, accusing them of yielding to pressures from the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and failing to deliver on promises related to the capital city project.

According to Mr. Reddy, the financial implications of the Amaravati project are staggering, with loans amounting to over ₹47,000 crore. He expressed concern that this debt would place an enormous burden on future generations, whereas Mavigun presents itself as a more economical and feasible solution. He also mentioned that the Amaravati farmers have approached him seeking justice, as Mr. Naidu has not fulfilled his commitments regarding the project. Despite recent incidents where YSRCP leaders faced attacks, the party remains committed to advocating for the farmers' rights and pushing for the Mavigun initiative.

YSRCP President Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has declared that the Mavigun proposal will serve as a crucial election issue for the party in the upcoming 2029 Legislative Assembly elections. During a press briefing, he reiterated that the YSRCP plans to present the Mavigun idea directly to the people, seeking their support and approval. Mr. Jagan intensified his criticism of the ruling coalition government, pointing out a decline in law and order and the misuse of police powers for political gain. He accused the government of allowing widespread corruption within the Amaravati capital project, where contractors receive excessive payments at the expense of the public treasury.

Mr. Jagan also called upon the TDP to clarify their stance before the Justice Balakrishnan Commission regarding reservations for Dalit Christians. He recalled that his government had supported the demand for these reservations through an Assembly resolution but felt the TDP was trying to polarize voters without addressing the issue adequately. Additionally, he coined the term "Jungle Raj" to describe the current state of affairs, suggesting that the government is suppressing political opposition through the use of police forces. He cited specific instances, such as the attack on YSRCP leaders visiting protesting farmers, highlighting the alleged misuse of legal processes against dissenters.

Energy Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar responded to the YSRCP's assertions by accusing the party of attempting to incite unrest in Amaravati. He stated that the residents of Amaravati successfully thwarted the YSRCP's efforts to create disturbances during the visit of its leaders. Mr. Ravi Kumar emphasized that the government prioritizes maintaining law and order and will not tolerate any unlawful activities conducted under the pretext of politics. He accused the YSRCP of failing to develop any of the three cities it proposed as potential capitals, suggesting that their policies are politically motivated rather than genuinely focused on development.

Moreover, Mr. Ravi Kumar claimed that the previous government had hindered the progress of Amaravati, which negatively impacted the state's overall growth. He argued that the YSRCP, after losing power, resorted to creating confusion among the public through changing narratives and theatrical political strategies instead of maintaining a consistent approach to state-related issues. He maintained that the coalition government remains dedicated to development, public order, and democratic principles, asserting that any attempts to disrupt peace in the name of politics would be addressed strictly according to the law. As the debate over the capital continues, all parties involved are likely to intensify their campaigns ahead of the 2029 elections, shaping the political landscape of Andhra Pradesh.