YS Jagan Targets CM Chandrababu Over Amaravati, Calls It a ‘Hub of Scams’

The ongoing debate over Andhra Pradesh’s capital has resurfaced with renewed intensity after former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy launched a sharp attack on the Amaravati project, accusing the government led by N. Chandrababu Naidu of turning it into a corruption-driven project . Reacting to recent developments around the capital issue, Jagan alleged that inflated contracts, excessive borrowing, and lack of transparency have transformed Amaravati into what he described as a “ hub of scams ,” raising serious concerns about financial accountability .

Jagan questioned the unusually high construction costs , pointing out that key government buildings in Amaravati are being planned at significantly higher budgets compared to similar national projects. He highlighted that while major public infrastructure elsewhere has been completed at relatively moderate costs, Amaravati’s proposed spending running into thousands of crores appears disproportionate. He warned that the overall project could escalate to nearly ₹2 lakh crore , calling it an unsustainable burden on a state still grappling with post-bifurcation financial challenges.

He further alleged that large-scale loans are being raised and substantial advance payments are being made to contractors without adequate transparency, questioning the intent and execution of the project. According to him, such financial practices could deepen the state’s debt while diverting resources away from welfare schemes and essential sectors like healthcare, education, and agriculture.

Placing the issue in a broader context, Jagan argued that Amaravati, envisioned as a greenfield capital after the 2014 bifurcation, has always been ambitious but risks becoming economically impractical if pursued without checks. He emphasized that focusing massive investments on a single region could widen regional disparities , leaving other parts of Andhra Pradesh underdeveloped.

Reiterating his alternative vision, Jagan backed decentralisation through a three-capital model , proposing Visakhapatnam as the administrative capital, Amaravati as the legislative center, and Kurnool as the judicial hub. He also suggested a “ MAVIGUN ” model integrating Vijayawada , Guntur , and Machilipatnam as a more cost-effective and practical approach by leveraging existing infrastructure and population density.

The Amaravati issue has remained politically and legally complex, especially since proposals to shift or decentralize the capital triggered widespread protests from farmers and stakeholders who contributed land for its development. While the current government maintains that a single, well-developed capital is essential for stability and investment, Jagan’s remarks highlight a contrasting approach focused on fiscal prudence and balanced growth.

With both sides firmly holding their ground, the Amaravati debate has once again emerged as a key political flashpoint , reflecting a deeper divide between centralized development and decentralised governance in Andhra Pradesh.