A Mixed Bag of Vision, Action, and Gaps, And My Verdict
There’s a visible shift toward development, investor trust, and institutional stability. However, the government needs to focus on execution, communication, and fiscal discipline.
As the Chandrababu Naidu-led NDA government completes its first year in Andhra Pradesh, the overall performance presents a complex picture—marked by bold steps in governance and development, yet undermined by lingering weaknesses in execution, communication, and fiscal discipline. Here’s a balanced review of the government’s scorecard.
Capital Revival: Amaravati is Back on Track
One of the most significant achievements of the past year has been the revival of Amaravati as the state capital. The Naidu government inherited a project that had been abandoned and maligned by the previous YSRCP regime. Amaravati’s global image had taken a severe hit—Singaporean partners exited the venture, and the World Bank backed out under Jagan’s rule. In contrast, Naidu’s administration has succeeded in re-engaging international stakeholders, rekindling hope in the capital’s prospects. The brand image is slowly being rebuilt, even if full-scale construction is yet to gain momentum.
Polavaram Project: From Paralysis to Progress
Another major milestone has been bringing Polavaram—a long-stuck national irrigation project—back into motion. From a state of confusion and structural damage, the government has pushed it towards a defined roadmap, with major structural components now underway and significant funding secured. Strategic targets have been set between 2025 and 2028. After years of delay, there’s at least now visible direction and momentum.
Welfare Delivery: Steady and Structured
Rather than unleashing a flood of welfare schemes all at once, the government has rolled out them one by one with a degree of planning. The Rs 4,000 monthly pension scheme, ‘Talli ki Vandhanam’ for mothers, and the free bus travel for women (starting August) show an intent to maintain a balance between populism and fiscal caution.
Investment Inflows: Record Highs
On the industrial front, Andhra Pradesh recorded an unprecedented ₹14 lakh crore in investment commitments in the past year. Projects worth ₹9.2 lakh crore have already received clearances and are expected to generate over 5.7 lakh jobs. Big-ticket names like NTPC Green Energy, ArcelorMittal, Reliance Industries, TCS, and Jindal have shown renewed interest in the state, signalling investor confidence under the current dispensation.
Political Stability and Centre-State Synergy
Contrary to the unnecessary confrontation with the Modi government during the 2018 period, the current administration enjoys a healthy working relationship with the Centre, ensuring smoother approvals and less political friction. Interestingly, even within the NDA coalition, coordination has been better than expected.
Investigations: Slow and Cautious
Despite public expectations, probes into alleged corruption during the Jagan regime have been slow. While cases like the liquor scam and Jethwani issue have emerged, there’s a conscious effort to avoid the label of political vendetta. However, many feel the government is moving too cautiously and letting key offenders off the hook.
The Pitfalls
Still, not all is rosy. Naidu’s tendency to overburden governance with grand futuristic visions—like massive new land acquisitions in Amaravati, or floating ideas like the Banakacharla linkage and Quantum Valley—has raised concerns. Critics argue that with just five years in hand, the focus should remain on completing existing projects rather than over-committing.
Corruption remains a visible problem, especially at lower administrative levels, with little evidence of systemic cleanup. Despite Naidu’s tech-centric approach, poor communication with the public persists—be it on issues like the Axis Energy power purchase rates or the benefits of Artificial Intelligence, people remain unconvinced.
On the economic front, wasteful expenditure and rising debt continue to mirror the flaws of the previous government. The lack of financial discipline is a growing worry, even among the government’s own supporters.
Final Word
In summary, the Chandrababu Naidu-led NDA government has brought governance back to the rails after five chaotic years. There’s a visible shift toward development, investor trust, and institutional stability. However, unless the government reins in its overreach, strengthens communication, ensures financial prudence, and acts decisively on corruption, the same vulnerabilities that led to its downfall in 2019 could resurface.
(Author is a senior Journalist)
(Courtgesy: Rameshkandula.substack.com)