Andhra Pradesh: Can CM Naidu see beyond Amaravati?

 

There is growing resentment in the state that the only thing that matters in the state is the gleaming new capital Naidu wants to build. In an effort to put a lid on such murmurs, Naidu has decided to celebrate this year's Independence Day at Anantapuramu in the Rayalaseema region. 

 

Back in 2014, when there was a fierce demand for choosing Kurnool as the capital of the residuary state of Andhra Pradesh, Naidu, who was not ready to locate the capital in a ‘Reddy dominant’ region, still chose to hoist the tricolor at Kurnool town on Independence Day, immediately after the bifurcation of united Andhra Pradesh to create Telangana.

 

On that occasion, Naidu had announced a slew of development programs for Kurnool district in exchange for the city not being chosen as the new capital. These announcements failed to placate the region’s people as none of the projects the CM announced have materialised. 

 

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Celebrating Independence Day outside the state capital is uncommon India. But, since there is no permanent capital for Andhra Pradesh, chief minister Naidu is using the occasion to hoist the national flag in the politically volatile region as a show of solidarity with the region. While unfurling the tricolour in 2014, Naidu promised to develop Kurnool into a mega industrial hub. Even after two years, that promise remains a non-starter.

 

Farmers of the district are fighting for the construction of Siddeswaram weir in the Srisailam backwaters. The people of Kadapa district people are demanding the setting up of a steel plant while all political parties are demanding the location of the High Court in the region.

 

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In the past two years, there has been no material change in the backwards region of Rayalaseema. Many organisations, including the BJP, have started speaking up for the region’s development. This is the background for this year’s decision to celebrate Independence Day at Anantapuramu.

 

This year, the grounds of Police Training College in Anantapuramu is chosen as the venue for I-Day parade. The state government has already released ₹2 crore to make all the arrangements.

 

Congress spokesperson Dr Tulasi Reddy rubbished the idea of celebrating I-Day at Anantapuramu as nothing more than a gimmick. 

 

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"Naidu's Andhra lies in Amaravati only. He is not able to see outside Amaravati. As per the 'Gentlemen's Agreement' signed between Andhra and Rayalaseema leaders in 1937, the High Court should be located in Rayalaseema. But, the CM is ignoring this and wants us to make do with flag hoisting. If he doesn't change this attitude, people will be forced to demand a separate Rayalaseema,”  Reddy told Asianet Newsable.

 

Similarly,  Visweswar Reddy, YSRC MLA  from Uravakonda in Anantapuramu district, also dubbed the idea of I-Day celebration in the city as a cheap political drama. “The CM is neglecting the irrigation projects in the district. The 2016-17 budget allocations bear testimony to the fact. He has no respect for Rayalaseema. This I-Day parade is only a cover up programme," he said.