TDP tarnishing AP's image for petty politics: Ambati Rambabu

AMARAVATI: Andhra Pradesh Irrigation Minister Ambati Rambabu on Wednesday said that the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) was destroying the reputation of Andhra Pradesh in its desperate attempts to defame the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) and YS Jaganmohan Reddy.

He said that the foundation stone for Nellore Barrage and Mekapati Goutham Reddy Sangam Barrage, which were inaugurated by the Chief Minister on Tuesday, was laid by late YS Rajasekhara Reddy. These projects were completed because of the effort put in by YS Jaganmohan Reddy despite many adversities like the COVID-19 pandemic. Rambabu lampooned the TDP and its chief N Chandrababu Naidu for trying to take credit for these projects.

The Irrigation Minister said that Chandrababu Naidu, in his 14 years as Chief Minister, did not plan and execute a single irrigation project. He said that Naidu and the TDP did not want industrial development in Andhra Pradesh. Yanamala Ramakrishnudu had written a letter to the Centre saying that if the Centre approved the bulk drug park in Kakinada SEZ, it would cause environmental pollution and that it should not be allowed.

Ambati Rambabu said that the cost of both the Nellore and Sangam barrages was Rs 610 crores and the TDP government spent only Rs 150.55 crores. He said that the 'yellow media' was wrong in telling people that these barrages were achieved due to TDP's efforts.

Speaking about the Polavaram project, he said that despite facing objections from other States and the TDP as well, Jagan made it possible. He asked the TDP to discuss Polavaram in the Assembly and advised them against carrying out a misinformation campaign on it using the media.