YSRCP claims 80% of Bhogapuram airport work done under its rule, accuses CM of taking credit

The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) on Saturday accused Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu of taking credit for the Bhogapuram airport project, asserting that 80% of the physical work was completed during the previous YSRCP government's tenure (2019-2024).

Speaking to the media at the YSRCP central office, party State coordinator Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy said only 20% of the works were carried out after the TDP-BJP-JSP alliance assumed power. He alleged that Mr. Naidu was unwilling to acknowledge this fact.

Mr. Reddy further claimed that the Chief Minister had also taken credit for the steel plant project in Rayalaseema. He said it is Mr. Naidu's habit to appropriate credit for achievements of others.

The YSRCP leader also accused Mr. Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan, and other leaders of falsely attributing statements to former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy regarding the airport project as part of their political strategy.

On the issue of land acquisition, Mr. Reddy alleged that there were protests by farmers against the acquisition of thousands of acres for the airport, but dissenting voices were suppressed.

He recalled that Mr. Naidu performed the Bhoomi Puja for the airport just before the 2019 elections, but the actual execution was done by the YSRCP government.

Mr. Reddy said the YSRCP government could have inaugurated the airport in a hurry but chose not to. He asserted that central clearances were obtained, land acquisition was completed, and substantial progress was made during the YSRCP's tenure. The works were launched in 2023, and 80% of them were completed before the 2024 elections.

He added that the airport would have become operational in 2020-21 had the COVID-19 pandemic not intervened.

The Chief Minister's office has not yet responded to these allegations.