Hans News Service Vijayawada

YSRCP president Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy has once again reiterated his stand in the Amaravati vs MAVIGUN capital controversy, making it clear that he is not backing down from opposing Amaravati as the state capital. Advocating the MAVIGUN (Machilipatnam–Vijayawada–Guntur) model, Jagan termed it a more practical and cost-effective alternative.

Addressing party leaders and cadre from Tadepalligudem constituency at YSRCP central office in Tadepalli, Jagan launched a scathing attack on Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, alleging that Amaravati is being developed purely for “corruption, commissions, and to benefit a select few.” He described Amaravati as a “massive hub of corruption and exploitation,” accusing the government of misleading both farmers and the public. “Amaravati is a huge mine of corruption and loot,” Jagan said, adding that the YSR Congress had already offered a “practical solution,” which the government ignored.

Jagan warned that the current approach could leave Andhra Pradesh without a functional capital. He pointed out that even basic infrastructure- roads, electricity, drainage, and water supply- has been estimated at Rs 2 crore per acre. “For 50,000 acres, Rs 1 lakh crore is insufficient. Now expanding to 1 lakh acres means Rs 2 lakh crore. If all the money is spent just on infrastructure, when will the actual capital be built?” he said.

Highlighting delays, he noted that even after 12 years since 2014, there is no substantial progress. He cautioned that costs could escalate further to Rs 4 lakh crore or even Rs 10 lakh crore in the coming decades, without delivering a complete capital. Jagan argued that investing even 10 per cent of the projected Rs 2 lakh crore would be enough if planned efficiently.

Promoting the MAVIGUN concept, Jagan emphasized the strategic advantage of the 110-km stretch between Machilipatnam, Vijayawada, and Guntur. He highlighted existing infrastructure, including highways, the international airport in Vijayawada, and the upcoming Machilipatnam port, stating that development could be decentralized across this corridor to create an effective capital region. “With minimal investment and better connectivity, MAVIGUN can function as a capital from day one and become a major growth engine.

It will also generate employment locally, preventing migration,” he said.

Jagan further alleged large-scale financial irregularities in Amaravati projects. He claimed construction costs are heavily inflated- Rs 14,000 per sq ft in Amaravati compared to Rs 4,500 per sq ft in cities like Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bengaluru. Similarly, he pointed out that six-lane roads costing Rs 20 crore per km elsewhere are allegedly costing Rs 53 crore per km in Amaravati.

He also criticised the introduction of “mobilization advances,” alleging that contractors linked to the ruling establishment are being given 10 per cent advance payments even before work begins.