Jana Sena Leaders Defend Pawan Kalyan, Question YSRCP Record

Andhra Pradesh Medical Services & Infrastructure Development Corporation (APMSIDC) Chairman Chillapalli Srinivasa Rao alleged that the previous YSRCP government faced allegations of corruption, sand-related irregularities and red sanders smuggling during its tenure. He said the coalition government was working towards the development of all regions of Andhra Pradesh without discrimination based on caste, religion or region.

Speaking at a media conference at the Jana Sena Party central office in Mangalagiri, Srinivasa Rao said the State had suffered developmental setbacks under the previous government. He alleged that YSRCP leaders were now making unfounded accusations against the coalition government while it was taking up various development programmes across Andhra Pradesh. He was accompanied by Visakhapatnam DCCB Chairman Kona Tatarao.

Srinivasa Rao said Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan was working in the interests of the State and supporting development initiatives, particularly in rural areas. He criticised former minister R.K. Roja over her remarks against Pawan Kalyan, describing them as unwarranted.

He also alleged that Roja was criticising Pawan Kalyan over concerns that allegations related to the ‘Aadudam Andhra’ programme could come under scrutiny. Srinivasa Rao said the government was focusing on development initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure and addressing long-standing problems in different regions.

Srinivasa Rao highlighted the Rs 30,156-crore ‘Amarajeevi Jaladhara’ programme, launched from Proddatur to promote development in Rayalaseema and address the region’s drinking water problems. He credited Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Pawan Kalyan with taking forward the initiative.

He said the coalition government had discussed implementation issues related to the Jal Jeevan Mission with the Centre and worked towards extending its deadline until 2028. He described Amarajeevi Jaladhara as an important initiative aimed at providing a long-term solution to drinking water shortages in Rayalaseema.

Referring to allegations involving red sanders, sand, soil and liquor during the previous government, Srinivasa Rao urged YSRCP leaders to introspect over the party’s electoral performance. He pointed out that the party’s Assembly tally fell from 151 seats in 2019 to 11 in 2024.

Kona Tatarao said Pawan Kalyan’s recent Rayalaseema tour focused on development issues rather than personal criticism of YSRCP leaders. He rejected the allegation that Pawan Kalyan was seeking credit for his work and cited initiatives such as providing electricity to hilltop tribal villages and improving roads in agency areas as examples of development efforts.