Naidu overstates role in Polavaram project, alleges Sharmila

Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee president Y.S. Sharmila on Monday accused Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu of taking unwarranted credit for progress on the Polavaram canal scheme. Sharmila contended that approximately 90 percent of the canal infrastructure work had been executed during the tenure of former Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, undermining the current administration's claims of developmental achievement.

The opposition leader's statement reflects ongoing political tensions in Andhra Pradesh over credit for major infrastructure projects. The Polavaram project, a significant irrigation initiative spanning multiple districts, has long been a focal point in state politics, with various administrations seeking to claim ownership of the scheme's progress and benefits.

Sharmila's remarks come as the ruling Telugu Desam Party continues to highlight infrastructure development as a key component of its governance narrative since returning to power. The Congress chief's challenge to the government's assertion forms part of the broader political discourse surrounding resource allocation and developmental priorities in the state.

The dispute underscores the competitive nature of state politics in Andhra Pradesh, where major public works projects frequently become subjects of partisan debate regarding implementation timelines and responsible stewardship.