Naidu to use new capital city in next elections

Hyderabad: Existing facilities like Gannavaram Airport, Vijayawada railway junction and road connectivity to National Highways could be upgraded in Seemandhra if Vijayawada city becomes the new capital of the bifurcated state.

As far as water availability is concerned, the Polavaram Right Bank Canal water could be utilised besides the Prakasam Barrage in Vijayawada.

Mr Naidu, however, has not indicated the exact location of the capital city, like whether it would be between Vijayawada-Eluru highway near the Gannavaram Airport or between Vijayawada-Chilakaluripet highway near the Mangalagiri-Pedakaka-ni area.

He was of the view that the new capital should be well connected and centrally placed so that he could do “something concrete” before the next general elections.

Even with regard to general opinions expressed by different quarters on the location of the new capital, most have favoured the area near Vijayawada.

“He wants to showcase his calibre in building the new city before the next elections so that it can be used as a campaign point,” the source said.

While some suggested building the new capital near Tirupati, the home turf of Mr Naidu, he apparently observed that “it will be difficult to build such massive structures due to perennial water problems and there are no chances to get enough water supplies to the area due to absence of a permanent water source”.

Tirupati being a world-renowned pilgrimage centre should be confined to religious activities and all the name and fame should rest with the Lord and the other activities sho-uld not be encouraged, he apparently opined.

Sources also pointed out that Mr Naidu had already declared during electioneering that Tirupati-Tirumala would be developed on the lines of Vatican City. A source said, “It is clear that Mr Chandrababu Naidu is not inclined to have the capital city in Rayalaseema as the people of the area will anyway get justice as he is from the area.”