With the successful landing of the first validation flight at Bhogapuram Greenfield International Airport, a dispute arose between the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) regarding the acknowledgment for the project.
The ruling TDP asserted credit for the airport, while the opposition YSRCP criticized Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu as a ‘credit chor’ (credit thief). Former Chief Minister Y. S Jagan Mohan Reddy commended the GMR Group for their efforts in advancing Andhra Pradesh’s growth with the airport’s first flight.
The YSRCP president highlighted the contributions made during their tenure, including expedited permissions, timely approvals, and significant project progress amounting to nearly Rs 960 crore. The parties engaged in a verbal clash, with the YSRCP accusing Naidu of hasty foundation laying before the 2019 elections without proper permissions or land acquisition.
Following the YSRCP’s claims, a back-and-forth ensued, with accusations of inadequate actions by Naidu’s government and the YSRCP’s emphasis on their accomplishments in closing court cases and facilitating land acquisition for the airport’s construction.
Nara Lokesh, Naidu’s son and state minister, retaliated by sharing video clips of Jagan Mohan Reddy opposing the airport, attributing the obstruction to the YSRCP. The TDP defended Naidu’s vision for the airport and criticized the YSRCP for their statements, asserting that the airport is a product of Naidu’s foresight and intelligence.
