Coalition govt betraying capital region farmers, alleges former MLA

Guntur: Former MLA Namburu Sankara Rao has alleged that the present coalition government is betraying farmers of the capital region. He also accused current MLA Bhashyam Praveen of taking credit for development works carried out during his tenure in the Pedakurapadu constituency.

Addressing the media here on Sunday, Sankara Rao said the constituency witnessed significant development during the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) regime. He claimed that works such as CC roads and drainage systems were nearly completed in all villages during that period.

He stated that the Amaravati–Bellamkonda road was inaugurated on July 23 during their tenure. He further noted that construction of a bridge over the Krishna River at Madipadu was initiated, which, once completed, would reduce the distance to Hyderabad by around 80 km.

Sankara Rao said that a polytechnic college sanctioned in 2009 at Krosuru was completed during the YSRCP government. However, he pointed out that even after 20 months in power, the present government has not constructed a compound wall for the college.

He added that a model police station was built at Achampet at a cost of Rs 2 crore and that out of 70 secretariats sanctioned, 52 have been completed. He also claimed that Rs 68.58 crore was spent on school development and that a road to the Sattemma Thalli temple in the forest area was laid with necessary permissions.

According to him, development works worth Rs 682 crore were executed in the constituency during the YSRCP rule. He questioned the current MLA to clarify claims of taking up road works worth Rs 180 crore.

Sankara Rao further alleged that only Rs 52 crore was extended under the Rythu Bharosa scheme and that benefits such as unemployment allowance, Vasathi Deevena, and fee reimbursement have not been properly implemented by the present government. He claimed that nearly Rs 1,500 crore was distributed to people through welfare schemes during their tenure.

Criticising the MLA, he said the “100 Villages in 100 Days” programme was being used merely as a time-pass exercise. He warned that he would expose alleged irregularities if necessary and questioned the MLA’s authority in restricting his visits to the constituency.

He said that people are closely observing the developments and will respond at the appropriate time, adding that power is not permanent and only genuine work earns lasting recognition.

He further alleged that although around 33,000 acres were pooled for capital construction, justice has not been done to farmers. He stated that only about 9,000 acres would have been sufficient, but the government has initiated a second phase of land acquisition, thereby betraying capital region farmers.