YSRC chief says RLI is vital for drought-hit Rayalaseema, accuses CM of propaganda
Vijayawada: Former chief minister and YSRC president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy on Thursday strongly criticised what he termed “blatant lies” by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on the Rayalaseema Lift Irrigation (RLI) project, alleging that the remarks had hurt the sentiments of the drought-prone region.
Addressing the media, Jagan Mohan Reddy accused Naidu of prioritising self-interest over public welfare and running a propaganda campaign against the RLI, which he described as the only viable solution to secure water for Rayalaseema. He said neighbouring Telangana had expanded infrastructure at the Srisailam Project and was drawing large quantities of water daily, leaving Andhra Pradesh with limited options unless the RLI designed to lift 3 TMC at the 800-foot level was implemented.
Jagan Mohan Reddy alleged that Naidu’s cadre had approached the National Green Tribunal to stall the RLI, while Telangana ignored notices and expanded its projects. He claimed that the YSRC government increased reservoir capacities, completed critical tunnels and ensured full utilisation to benefit Rayalaseema and parts of Nellore and Prakasam districts.
The former chief minister also levelled allegations of corruption and credit-stealing in projects such as the Bhogapuram airport, and accused the government of spreading false claims on investments and jobs. He said higher power tariffs, increased registration charges and unchecked commissions had left farmers, students, women, employees and the unemployed disillusioned.
Defending the move to approach courts over medical college privatisation, Jagan said the collection of one crore signatures reflected the people’s mandate and should be pursued to its logical conclusion.
