Energy Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar said the coalition government revived the Veligonda Project by sanctioning funds and expediting works, while delivering key welfare promises across Andhra Pradesh.
Energy Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar on Wednesday asserted that the coalition government led by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has been pursuing development and welfare with equal commitment, while accelerating long-pending infrastructure projects such as the Veligonda Project.
Participating in the ‘Rendella Nammakam - Abhivruddhi, Sankshemam’ programme at Markapur along with Endowments Minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy, the Minister said the government had successfully balanced welfare commitments with development initiatives during its first two years in office. Before addressing a public gathering, the ministers inspected exhibition stalls showcasing the achievements of the coalition government.
Speaking on the Veligonda Project, Mr. Ravi Kumar alleged that the previous YSRCP government had neglected the prestigious irrigation project despite its importance to the Markapuram region. He recalled the efforts made by Telugu Desam Party legislators and leaders from the then undivided Prakasam district in securing the allocation of water required for the project.
According to the Minister, the coalition government sanctioned funds immediately after assuming office and accelerated pending works, demonstrating its commitment to completing the project. He added that Water Resources Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu has been conducting regular reviews and field inspections to monitor progress and ensure timely execution of works.
Highlighting the government's broader development agenda, Mr. Ravi Kumar said the creation of Markapur as a separate district fulfilled a key election promise made by the coalition. He stated that the government aims to transform the district into a horticulture hub while strengthening the agriculture sector through innovative irrigation and cultivation practices.
The Minister pointed to the expansion of oil palm cultivation in parts of Palnadu using sprinkler-based irrigation systems as an example of the government's efforts to promote diversified and sustainable agriculture.
Reviewing the government's welfare initiatives, Mr. Ravi Kumar said social security pensions were increased from Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 4,000 soon after the coalition assumed office. He noted that the State is spending over Rs. 33,000 crore annually towards pension distribution.
He also highlighted flagship welfare programmes such as 'Talliki Vandanam', under which financial assistance is directly credited into beneficiaries' bank accounts, free bus travel for women, and the distribution of free LPG cylinders to eligible families.
The Minister further stated that more than 16,000 teacher posts had been filled through the DSC recruitment process, strengthening government schools and improving educational infrastructure across the State.
Criticising the Opposition YSRCP, Mr. Ravi Kumar alleged that the party was attempting to claim credit for welfare and development initiatives currently being implemented by the coalition government. He said awareness programmes were being organised across Andhra Pradesh to directly inform people about the government's achievements during the past two years.
Addressing the gathering, Endowments Minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy said Andhra Pradesh would witness faster growth and expanded welfare outreach if the coalition government continued in office. MLAs Ugra Narasimha Reddy and Akosh Reddy, along with public representatives, party leaders and a large number of citizens, attended the programme.
