Guntur: Various sections of society including leaders and activists of the Telugu Desam are skeptical that Amaravati will be constructed by 2018. They were heard discussing about the pros and cons of the grand plans for the capital at the foundation stone ceremony venue at Uddandarayunipalem. People from various sections of the society from 13 districts attended the ceremony.
Most were of the opinion that, as admitted by AP Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu himself, it would take about 10 years to build Amaravati. They felt the first phase would not be complete ahead of the elections, and this could damage the image of the Telugu Desam. The people who expected Prime Minister Narendra Modi to announce a special package and special category status, were disappointed.
Senior engineer A. Suresh said the hype on Amaravati had created big expectations among the public and the government will have to spend huge funds to complete the construction. He said speedy construction would not be possible due to the absence of the funds from Centre.
He said that commercial hubs can be built under private-public partnership but the private sector will not construct government buildings hence the government has to spend huge funds which seems cannot possible due to poor financial conditions of the AP.
Donor farmer D. Venkateswarlu said, “we expected that funds would be announced for Amaravati by the BJP government as it is an ally of the Telugu Desam but in vain.”
He said that farmers hoped for the completion of the capital with the use of latest technology but it seems the TD government cannot complete it due to its poor financial situation.
He added that if the works did not start quickly, there was the danger of revolt from the farmers who pooled their lands, and the project would to remain a non-starter like VANPIC.
Senior leaders of the TD on the condition of anonymity expressed the fear that the party's image would be tarnished if at least the government buildings were not completed. They pointed out that Mr Naidu's hopes were dashed by Mr Modi who only presented a fistful of soil and half-a-litre of water.
They said Mr Naidu has to work hard for funds for the completion of capital by year 2018 to save the party in the forthcoming elections.
