YSRCP slams Naidu for neglecting Vijayawada’s development

Tadepalli, May 13: YSR Congress Party flayed Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu for neglecting Vijayawada, a city of historical and cultural importance. Speaking at YSRCP’s central office, NTR District President Devineni Avinash flayed Naidu for harbouring resentment toward the city due to its association with NTR, leading to discriminatory policies that threaten Vijayawada’s growth. “Chandrababu’s disdain for Vijayawada is evident in his failure to initiate even a single development project in nearly a year of coalition rule,” Avinash said.
Naidu is conspiring to undermine Vijayawada by planning to close Gannavaram Airport and relocate the Health University to Amaravati. “What answer does Chandrababu have for the farmers who sacrificed their land for Gannavaram Airport?” he questioned. He also condemned plans to seize land in Ibrahimpatnam for a sports city, threatening local crusher businesses and displacing residents.
In contrast, YS Jagan Mohan Reddy’s tenure brought significant progress to Vijayawada. Avinash highlighted YS Jagan’s completion of the Kanakadurga and Benz Circle flyovers, resolving traffic issues neglected by Naidu. YS Jagan advanced the Western and Eastern Bypass projects, ensuring smooth travel during festivals. A Rs. 382 crore retaining wall protected Vijayawada from Krishna river floods, safeguarding areas like Ranigaritota and Krishnalanka. YS Jagan rebuilt 44 temples demolished by Naidu, funded Kanakadurga Temple’s development, and built healthcare facilities, including a Rs. 150 crore super-specialty block at GGH, which saved lives during COVID.
Avinash slammed the government for disrespecting Dr. BR Ambedkar, whose Rs. 400 crore statue and Smruthivanam, developed by YS Jagan, have been neglected. “No garland has been offered to Ambedkar in a year, and lighting was removed during national holidays,” he said, emphasising the government's deliberate neglect.
YSRCP vows to protect Vijayawada’s 16 lakh residents and its identity. “We support Amaravati’s growth but won’t allow Vijayawada’s destruction,” Avinash warned. The party demands that Naidu prioritize Vijayawada’s development, protect its institutions, and respect its heritage.