Jagan Blasts Naidu Over Rayalaseema Projects, Water and State Finances
Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy on Thursday alleged that Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu had entered into a secret understanding with Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy , compromising the interests of Andhra Pradesh.
Addressing the media at the YSRCP central office, Jagan criticised the TDP-led government over irrigation projects, industrial growth, public finances, and alleged corruption.
Rayalaseema Lift Irrigation Scheme:
Jagan said Chandrababu Naidu’s silence on Telangana’s remarks against the Rayalaseema Lift Irrigation Scheme raised serious doubts. He described the project as crucial for drought-hit Rayalaseema and said it acted as a lifeline not only for the region but also for parts of Nellore district and Chennai.
He explained that although Andhra Pradesh is entitled to 101 TMC of water through the Pothireddypadu Head Regulator, water flowed only three to four times in the last two decades . Meanwhile, Telangana has been drawing large quantities of water daily through lift irrigation projects and power houses from much lower reservoir levels, he said.
Jagan blamed decisions taken during Chandrababu Naidu’s earlier tenure for placing key power houses and canal operations at Nagarjuna Sagar and Pulichintala under Telangana’s control, causing major losses to Andhra Pradesh.
Steps Taken During YSRCP Rule:
He said the YSRCP government took legal and regulatory action against unauthorised projects in Telangana, resulting in NGT orders in 2021 and a ₹920-crore penalty in 2022 . Despite this, Andhra Pradesh was drawing only 0.3 to 0.33 TMC per day , he added.
Jagan said his government spent ₹990 crore on the Rayalaseema Lift Scheme, enabling water drawal of 3 TMC per day from the 800-foot level , but alleged that the current government stalled the project through litigation.
Irrigation and Infrastructure Development:
The former Chief Minister said canal capacities were expanded during the YSRCP regime under projects such as Telugu Ganga, SRBC, GNSS and HNSS . He also said rehabilitation and resettlement were completed and reservoirs filled in major projects including Gandikota, Chitravathi, Brahmam Sagar, Velugonda, Somaseela, Kandaleru and Pulichintala .
Bhogapuram Airport Issue:
Jagan accused Chandrababu Naidu of attempting to take credit for the Bhogapuram International Airport , which he said progressed only under the YSRCP government. He said earlier proposals to acquire up to 15,000 acres had triggered public protests, while the YSRCP limited land acquisition to 2,703 acres , including an aerocity.
He said 130 court cases were resolved, 400 families were rehabilitated, and ₹960 crore was spent on land acquisition. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the foundation stone was laid on May 3, 2023 , with flight operations expected to begin in 2026 .
He alleged that the present government ignored road connectivity to the airport while claiming credit for the project.
Industrial Growth and RBI Report:
Rejecting claims that industries left Andhra Pradesh during YSRCP rule, Jagan cited an RBI report dated December 11, 2025 , which showed the State ranked first in South India and fifth nationally in manufacturing Gross Value Added (GVA).
He alleged that several major industrial groups moved out during Chandrababu Naidu’s tenure due to harassment and corruption.
Allegations of Corruption:
Jagan accused the government of allocating valuable public land to select private companies without transparent auctions. He cited examples from Visakhapatnam, alleging huge revenue losses to the State due to such decisions.
State Debt and Public Burden:
He said State debt increased from ₹3.90 lakh crore in March 2019 to ₹7.21 lakh crore in March 2024 , but claimed the annual debt growth rate was lower during YSRCP rule compared to Chandrababu Naidu’s earlier tenure. He alleged that the current government borrowed over ₹3 lakh crore in just 18 months .
Jagan also accused the government of burdening people through higher power tariffs, increased registration charges, water fees in rural areas, road cess on vehicles, and multiple toll collections.
Medical Colleges Issue:
He said the YSRCP had filed a Public Interest Litigation in the High Court against the privatisation of medical colleges, calling it one of the biggest scams of the decade.
Reiterating the importance of the Rayalaseema Lift Irrigation Scheme, Jagan said the YSRCP would launch protests and complete the project on a priority basis if it returned to power.