Focus on a single region will lead to unrest

Srikakulam, April 7: The YSRC party has reiterated that concentrating development in a single region would adversely impact other parts of the State and could lead to social and regional unrest.
Speaking to the media here on Tuesday, former Minister Dharma Prasada Rao expressed concern over the current development approach, stating that lessons from the Hyderabad experience appear to be ignored. He alleged that large-scale resources are being pooled and nearly Rs 2 lakh crore is being directed towards Amaravati, raising questions about balanced regional growth.
He pointed out that an Experts Committee had earlier observed that the Amaravati region may not be suitable for a capital due to geographical considerations. Despite this, he said the project is being pursued in a manner that prioritizes select interests over the broader needs of nearly five crore people in the State.
Referring to regional disparities, Dharma Prasada Rao noted that the same committee had identified North Andhra and Rayalaseema as backward regions. He questioned what concrete steps have been taken for the development of these arid and underdeveloped areas, stating that continued neglect would deepen existing inequalities.
Drawing a parallel with the Telangana agitation, he said regional imbalance and perceived discrimination had earlier triggered widespread unrest. He cautioned that similar conditions could emerge again if development remains concentrated in one region.
He further alleged that North Andhra has not seen significant irrigation projects, nor has a single harbour been developed along its extensive coastline, indicating a lack of focus despite clear potential.
Highlighting the scale of investment required, he said Amaravati would need around Rs 2 lakh crore for basic infrastructure and could take decades to fully develop. “Should regions like North Andhra and Rayalaseema wait for decades while resources are concentrated elsewhere?” he questioned.
He warned that prolonged imbalance in development priorities could create dissatisfaction among people and eventually lead to unrest, urging for a more equitable and inclusive approach to State development.