Guntur, March 27: Former Minister Ambati Rambabu criticized Chandrababu Naidu for being responsible for the "destruction" of Polavaram, asserting that the project progressed rapidly under Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy’s administration.
He criticed pro-Naidu media claimed Polavaram project gained momentum immediately after Chandrababu assumed office. Rambabu pointed out that in 2014, when Chandrababu first came to power, his ministers promised to complete Polavaram by 2018, a commitment that was not fulfilled. He further noted that in 2019, Chandrababu claimed that if re-elected, the project would be completed by 2020-21, a statement Rambabu described as absurd.
He challenged Chandrababu’s allegations that Polavaram funds were diverted by the state government during Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy’s tenure, daring him to provide proof, promising a public gesture of respect if such evidence was produced. Rambabu explained that the agreement signed by Chandrababu required the state to initially fund the project, with the central government reimbursing the expenses later, questioning how funds could be diverted under such an arrangement.
He questioned why Chandrababu agreed to take on the construction, originally a central government responsibility, arguing that he lacked genuine commitment to Polavaram and instead favored contractors and commissions. Chandrababu awarded contracts to his associates and failed to build the cofferdam before constructing the earth-cum-rock dam, a critical oversight.
Rambabu also credited Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy, securing Rs. 12,557 crore from the central government for Polavaram, but Chandrababu diverting these funds, using them for salaries. He labeled Chandrababu as a master of falsehoods and ineptitude, blaming his greed and mismanagement for the project’s setbacks.
Coalition has no respect for Tiruamla sanctity
