Amaravati, July 29 (IANS) With Bhogapuram Greenfield International Airport set for inauguration, former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and YSR Congress Party President, Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, on Wednesday accused Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu of stealing the credit for the project despite making no contribution. Claiming that all the critical works were done by the previous government of YSRCP, he alleged Chandrababu Naidu was getting all the publicity.
“A project built by one, but claimed by another, that’s the story of Bhogapuram Airport. The work was done by YSRCP. The publicity belongs to Chandrababu! Credit without contribution: That is Chandrababu’s brand of politics,” the YSRCP chief posted on ‘X’.
Jagan said that it is a matter of great happiness that the Bhogapuram Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport, which is set to become another jewel in the crown of North Andhra, is ready for inauguration.
“However, at the very same time, Chandrababu Naidu is making every possible attempt to steal the credit for the Bhogapuram Airport. Despite having made no contribution, he wants all the recognition for himself and is indulging in nothing short of credit theft,” wrote the former Chief Minister.
“Mr. Chandrababu, at least ask your own conscience what you have actually done for the Bhogapuram Airport. Apart from hurriedly laying a foundation stone just a month before the 2019 elections, despite having done nothing, what exactly did you contribute to this project? From signing the concession agreement with GMR in June 2020 for the construction of the airport, to land acquisition, rehabilitation and resettlement (R&R), site clearance, obtaining NOCs, security clearances, water supply, power supply, internal roads, aeronautical services, and financial closure, every critical process was completed during our government’s tenure. Can you deny that, Mr. Chandrababu?,” he asked.
Jagan said the YSRCP government completed the land acquisition that Chandrababu failed to complete.
“We provided rehabilitation to the displaced people from four villages. Our government spent Rs 967 crore on land acquisition and R&R, Rs 75 crore for bringing water to the airport, Rs 134.5 crore for infrastructure, Rs 7.29 crore for alternative roads, and Rs 2.35 crore for the substation, making a total investment of Rs 1,200 crore. So, what exactly did you do, Mr. Chandrababu?”
“It is because we completed all these works, secured every approval, obtained every NOC, and provided all the required infrastructure that, despite facing the unprecedented COVID pandemic, we were able to commence construction and take the runway works to a crucial stage by the time of the 2024 elections.
“The terminal construction was also progressing rapidly. It was in recognition of our government’s extensive efforts that we had announced that flight operations from Bhogapuram would commence by June 2026. We can proudly say that the airport is ready for inauguration today only because of the work carried out by our government. But, Mr. Chandrababu, you did nothing then, and you are doing nothing now,” he said.
The former CM also slammed Chandrababu Naidu over lack of progress on the road from Visakhapatnam to Bhogapuram Airport. He said that there is no proper road connectivity for passengers to reach the airport quickly from Visakhapatnam city.
He recalled that at the time of the foundation stone laying for the Bhogapuram Airport, his government persuaded the Central Government to sanction a 55-km, six-lane highway, 77 metres wide, at a cost of Rs 6,300 crore, to provide fast connectivity from Visakhapatnam city to the airport.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari himself announced the sanction of this road at the event, and he continues to hold the same portfolio even today.
“Mr. Chandrababu, your party is in power at the Centre, and you are also in power in the State. Yet, even after two years, there has been no progress on this road. Today, passengers travelling to Bhogapuram Airport are forced to undergo immense hardship.
“That reflects your sincerity, it was the same then, and it remains the same now. Please stop claiming credit without doing the work, seeking recognition without putting in the effort, and appropriating the hard work of others. At nearly 80 years of age, it is time you gave up this habit,” added YS Jagan.
–IANS
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