The Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy government in Andhra Pradesh is facing severe criticism over the bad condition of roads in the state and the pro-Telugu Desam Party media has been doing everything to damage the government’s reputation by giving huge publicity to the agitation by the opposition.
This section of media is trying to create an impression among the people that the road infrastructure during the Chandrababu Naidu regime was excellent and that there were no agitations against bad roads during those days.
The YSR Congress party leaders are forced to go on the back foot over the opposition’s criticism. They are not able to give proper explanation to the people about the bad condition of roads, except attacking the opposition for launching a negative campaign against the government.
State minister for roads and buildings Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy gave a reasoning for the not-so-bad roads during the Chandrababu Naidu regime.
“Whenever Chandrababu Naidu came to power, there would be no rains. That is why, even old roads were in good condition,” he said.
Giving an explanation for the bad condition of roads now, Ramachandra Reddy said the roads were badly damaged due to heavy rains.
“It is a matter of common sense that road repairs will not be taken up before monsoon. Yet, the opposition is making a hue and cry,” he said.
He claimed that the present government had laid new roads for 9,000 kilometres, more than what was done during the Naidu regime.
“In the coming months, we are calling for tenders for Rs 6,000 crore for laying of roads,” he said.
On Monday, chief minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy held a detailed review on the bad condition of roads in the state at his Tadepalli camp office.
He asked the authorities to take up the road repairs soon after the completion of rainy season in October and by next monsoon, all roads in the state should be in perfect condition.
Jagan blamed it on the previous TDP government for neglecting laying of roads across the state.
“We are fighting with not just Chandrababu Naidu, but also a section of media belonging. Let us not bother about criticism, which is always there for every work we have been doing,” he said.
