YS Sharmila Slams PM Modi, CM Naidu Over Amaravati Funding; Cites Broken Promises and Rising State Debt
Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) President YS Sharmila launched a blistering attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu over the stalled development of Amaravati, the proposed capital of Andhra Pradesh. Accusing both leaders of betraying public trust, she questioned the lack of financial commitment from the Central Government and criticized the Chief Minister for what she described as repeated political misjudgments.
At a press briefing on Friday, Sharmila cited Section 94(3) of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, which explicitly places the responsibility of constructing the state’s new capital on the Central Government. “If the Act so clearly defines the Centre’s duties, what exactly is Modi offering us?” she asked, adding, “Looking at Modi’s behaviour, one cannot help but say he’s like a spent firecracker.”
A Decade of Delays and “Hollow Promises”
Sharmila reminded the public that the foundation for Amaravati was ceremonially laid in 2015, but nearly a decade later, no significant infrastructure has emerged. “Back then, they betrayed the people of Andhra with false promises, and now they are repeating the same lies, wrapped in polished language,” she said.
She alleged that despite repeated claims of commitment from the Centre, not a single rupee has been formally allocated for Amaravati’s construction. “If everything was given to us, why hasn’t the capital been built yet? Was there any declaration of ₹1 lakh crore in funding? Was there a legislative or financial guarantee? None,” she asserted.
“Naidu Misled Again”
Directing her criticism at Chandrababu Naidu, Sharmila accused the Chief Minister of failing to hold the Centre accountable. “Once, you fell into the pit during the night; now, you’ve fallen into the same pit in broad daylight by inviting Modi again,” she said. She urged Naidu to reflect on how often he had been misled by the Centre and questioned his ability to protect the state’s interests.
Mounting Debt and Questionable Funding Sources
Raising serious concerns about Andhra Pradesh’s financial health, Sharmila pointed out that the state is currently saddled with ₹10 lakh crore in debt. She questioned how the government planned to pay salaries or fund capital development without resorting to more borrowing. “Why are you seeking ₹60,000 crore in loans for the capital? And how will you manage the interest burden?” she asked.
She also criticized the strategy of mortgaging public land and approaching international financial institutions such as the World Bank, ADB, KFW, and HUDCO. “Why is the government risking the future of our children to fund Amaravati? Without the courage to pressure the Centre, why are you passing on the burden to future generations?” she demanded.
Congress Demands Accountability
The Congress leader concluded by asserting that the people of Andhra Pradesh deserve transparency and accountability. She demanded a clear explanation from both the Central and State Governments regarding Amaravati’s stalled development and the broader issue of financial mismanagement.
