YSRCP calls for united fight with TDP against Polavaram reduction

YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) MP Mithun Reddy has urged for a joint effort with Telugu Desam Party (TDP) MPs in the Lok Sabha to oppose the proposed reduction of the Polavaram irrigation project height to 41.15 meters as outlined in the Union Budget.

He warned that this move would drastically reduce the project’s capacity from 194 TMC to 115 TMC, causing irreparable injustice to Andhra Pradesh farmers. Speaking during the Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address, Mithun Reddy appealed to the Central government not to alter the original design of the Polavaram project.

He reminded that the project was originally planned to irrigate 7.5 lakh acres while also providing drinking water. The proposed height reduction, however, would limit water availability to just 3.2 lakh acres. Mithun Reddy further criticized the Centre, stating that it had already denied Andhra Pradesh special category status, and now, by reducing Polavaram’s capacity, it was betraying the State once again.

He asserted that people of Andhra Pradesh will not forgive if such injustices continue. He also questioned Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, asking how his promise of river linking and water supply to Banakacherla would be fulfilled if Polavaram’s capacity was reduced.

He demanded a clear response from the government regarding water supply to Rayalaseema. Allegations against Margadarshi Chit Fund Mithun Reddy also leveled serious allegations against the Margadarshi Chit Fund, accusing it of committing a Rs 2,600 crore scam in violation of RBI regulations.

He compared it to the Sahara and Saradha scams, claiming that public funds were diverted to other companies. He pointed out that a Rs 1,000 crore fine had already been imposed on Margadarshi and demanded a full-scale investigation into the matter. Expressing concerns over education policies in Andhra Pradesh, Mithun Reddy alleged that English medium education was being systematically abolished in government schools.

He emphasized that corporate jobs require English proficiency, and the State should ensure that both Telugu and English mediums are continued in schools. Additionally, he strongly opposed the privatization of the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, urging the government to reconsider its decision. He also appealed for negotiations with the Jindal Group to expedite the establishment of the Kadapa Steel Plant.