Thumati Madhava Rao, a member of the Legislative Council (MLC) representing the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), has expressed strong criticism regarding Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu’s claims about the construction timeline of Amaravati. During a press conference, Rao stated that Naidu is misleading the public by asserting that the capital will be finished by 2028-29, despite a report submitted to a tribunal in Delhi claiming it would take a century to complete. Rao’s remarks highlight concerns about transparency and accountability within the current government.

The MLC accused the government of bypassing the Legislative Council by directly submitting resolutions without due process. He argued that ongoing discussions which could expose potential land scams and contractual corruption are being avoided, which raises questions about the integrity of the political process.

Rao also pointed out a disparity within the government’s financial narrative. He noted that while the Finance Minister has warned of insufficient funds to cover salaries, the Chief Minister continues to speak about an ambitious project with an estimated cost running into lakhs of crores. This contradiction has led to public scepticism regarding the administration’s fiscal management.

Concerns Over Bypassing Legislative Processes

In his address, Rao highlighted his concerns regarding the perceived disregard for constitutional protocols by the ruling coalition. He explained that traditionally, the Legislative Council serves as a platform for thorough debate and scrutiny of proposed bills. However, he lamented that the government has recently been pushing resolutions through without appropriate legislative deliberation, which he sees as a significant departure from established democratic practices.

He recalled past disruptions created by TDP leaders concerning the three-capital bill during the YSRCP’s time in power, demonstrating the political dynamics at play. Rao questioned the rationale behind not allowing the same Council to be involved in critical discussions, especially when deliberations were held in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

Furthermore, Rao demanded clarification on whether the government’s latest initiative is an official Amaravati bill, as opposed to merely a resolution, questioning its legality and transparency. His remarks reflect a broader concern about governance and the future of legislative engagement in Andhra Pradesh.

Criticism of Current Government and Proposed Alternatives

Rao also addressed the issue of job creation, arguing that merely constructing infrastructure such as roads and buildings does not equate to having a functioning capital city. He indicated that the lack of land acquisition for businesses hinders job opportunities—a critical factor for the capital’s success.

He raised alarm over comments in Parliament that may foster caste divisions, warning against any attempts to label Amaravati as a “caste capital.” Rao emphasised the need for unity and cautioned against any political narratives that could sow discord within communities.

In contrast to the current administration’s approach, Rao advocated for the “Mavigan” model proposed by Y. S. Jagan, which aims to integrate the cities of Machilipatnam, Vijayawada, and Guntur. He believes this strategy has a promising reception among the populace and could potentially act as an economic catalyst for the state.

In conclusion, he accused the government of leveraging Amaravati as a distraction from its failures in welfare and development. He also referenced the financial strain on the government, which he claims has accumulated debts amounting to ₹3.40 lakh crore over a brief period, further exacerbating the state’s challenges.

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