YSRCP Parliamentary Leader Launches Scathing Attack on Centre and State Government Over Budget Neglect
In a strongly worded media briefing on Saturday, YSR Congress Party Parliamentary Party leader YV Subba Reddy launched a sharp critique against both the Central government and the Andhra Pradesh state administration. The senior politician alleged systematic neglect of Andhra Pradesh in the recently announced Union Budget, despite the ruling coalition's close association with the National Democratic Alliance at the national level.
Polavaram Project Funding Remains Inadequate
Subba Reddy specifically highlighted the ongoing concerns surrounding the Polavaram irrigation project, which he described as crucial for meeting the irrigation and drinking water needs of multiple districts across the state. According to the YSRCP leader, the state government has failed to exert sufficient pressure on the Centre to secure adequate financial allocations for this vital infrastructure project.
The allocations announced in the Budget are insufficient to meet the project's actual requirements, Subba Reddy asserted during his media interaction. He pointed out that the Centre continues to grant funds only for completing the project up to 41.15 meters in height, rather than the originally designed height of 45.75 meters.
"Chief Minister Naidu claims proximity to the Centre, but he has failed to ensure proper funding for Polavaram, which is absolutely essential for the agricultural and drinking water security of several districts," the YSRCP leader remarked pointedly.
Missing Infrastructure and Connectivity Projects
The opposition leader further criticized the Budget for not announcing a dedicated high-speed rail corridor exclusively for Andhra Pradesh. He noted that while the Budget document mentioned corridors that would pass through the state, it failed to address the comprehensive connectivity needs of Andhra Pradesh.
Subba Reddy emphasized that a dedicated Visakhapatnam–Chennai high-speed rail corridor would have transformed connectivity across coastal Andhra and benefited the entire state by linking major economic and industrial centers. This omission represents a significant missed opportunity for regional development, he suggested.
Special Category Status and Backward Districts Ignored
Taking further aim at the state government's performance, the YSRCP leader accused it of failing to secure special funds for backward districts, despite repeated assurances and provisions under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act. He alleged that the Centre did not extend any preferential treatment to Andhra Pradesh, even though the state continues to face serious developmental challenges.
"Despite the Centre being fully aware that Andhra Pradesh remains economically backward, no special consideration was shown in this Budget. The state government's inability to negotiate and protect Andhra Pradesh's interests has resulted in continued neglect," Subba Reddy stated unequivocally.
Demands and Future Course of Action
The YSRCP leader outlined several specific demands, including:
- Immediate pressure on the Centre to revise budgetary allocations for Andhra Pradesh
- Adequate funding for the complete Polavaram project as originally designed
- Announcement of exclusive infrastructure corridors specifically for the state
- Release of special assistance for backward regions as promised
Subba Reddy warned that the YSRCP would continue to raise these critical issues both inside and outside Parliament until justice is done to Andhra Pradesh. The party remains committed to holding both the state and central governments accountable for what it perceives as continued neglect of the state's developmental needs.
The strong criticism comes at a time when Andhra Pradesh continues to seek special category status and adequate funding for key infrastructure projects, with political parties positioning themselves on these issues ahead of future electoral contests.
