The word on the street in Andhra Pradesh is a feeling of loss and repentance. Why would one feel that way, you ask? Well, when people elect a party that will form the government in a state and country, there are a million hopes that one carries. But, that doesn’t apply in the case of Andhra Pradesh.
In May 2019, after YSR Congress won the election with a thumping majority and came to power, everything has changed. Albeit, negatively. That’s not the kind of governance or change that was expected from CM Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy. From destructive policies that brought the state financially down to increased violence, everything seems to be going wrong in the state.
But, for Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy, it is the time of his life. As claimed by some, his random decision-making has not only paralysed several vision-based policies of the previous government but has also brought development to a grinding halt. On the other hand, maximising welfare schemes and shooting overdraft (financially) has put the state of Andhra Pradesh on the verge of financial emergency.
As embarrassing as it sounds, he has even become the CM who doesn’t care about the consequences of his haphazard and disastrous decisions. In the latest one, he has apparently wanted a new bungalow for himself in Visakhapatnam. According to sources, this mansion will be built on 2.5-acre land while the construction is happening at a break-neck speed.
This is where it gets interesting. The bungalow is going to cost the government Rs. 300 crore which will include a state-of-art pool, gym and other plush amenities. It is learnt that Jagan will be moving into this bungalow as soon as the works are completed. Just to jog your memory, Jagan personally owns bungalows in Tadepalli and Bangalore besides his family’s home (mansion) in Idupulapaya. Now, Vizag one will be the latest addition to the list of his immovable assets.
Political observers, however, point out that when the state is in such dire need of funds, the Chief Minister is spending public money like water for his personal choices. “Who gives them the right to spend public money this way? Why don’t people in AP question the government? Is this how we will be silenced always under such an autocratic regime?,” asked a student on social media. This is not just one student’s agony but that of the entire state.
Looks like austerity is not a thing that Jagan believes in as a CM. Flamboyance is fine. But, at the cost of people’s money? It is time to think seriously about such foolhardy moves by politicians.
