In a significant development, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy, during a momentous event on Monday, oversaw the release of Krishna water into the Kuppam branch canal, thereby addressing a longstanding demand of the constituents of the assembly segment, a constituency that has consistently favored arch-rival N Chandrababu Naidu since 1989.
Speaking at a grand public gathering held after the ceremonial water release at Rajupet village in Chittoor district's Ramakuppam block, the chief minister underscored his administration's unwavering commitment to the progress of the constituency, which, he lamented, had been sorely neglected under the leadership of Naidu's Telugu Desam Party (TDP).
Highlighting the government's proactive measures, Jagan Mohan Reddy announced the elevation of Kuppam from a mere panchayat to a fully-fledged municipality, in addition to the establishment of a revenue division and a police sub-division tailored specifically for the constituency.
He recounted the previous TDP regime's lackluster efforts, noting that despite the administrative nod granted to the Kuppam branch canal in 2015, the project was ultimately abandoned. However, under his leadership, strenuous efforts were exerted to realize the long-anticipated arrival of Krishna water to Kuppam, a remarkable feat given the project's geographical challenges spanning 540 km upstream and 670 km from Srisailam as part of the Handri Neeva project.
The construction of the 123.641 km canal, costing ₹560.29 crore, was undertaken to fortify the command area linking 110 minor irrigation tanks within the Kuppam constituency, facilitating irrigation across 6,300 acres while concurrently ensuring potable water access to a staggering 4.02 lakh individuals.
In a further display of governmental commitment, substantial financial allocations have been earmarked for Kuppam's development, including ₹66 crore for municipal infrastructure enhancements and an additional ₹100 crore designated for developmental initiatives across four constituency blocks. Administrative approvals have also been greenlit for the construction of a ₹215 crore reservoir under the Palar project.
Amidst fervent allegations of neglect leveled against Naidu, Jagan Mohan Reddy passionately implored constituents to critically evaluate their representation, questioning Naidu's suitability as their elected representative given his purported indifference towards their needs.
Emphasizing his administration's dedication to transparent and equitable governance, the chief minister highlighted the seamless disbursal of ₹1,400 crores directly into the bank accounts of female beneficiaries within the Kuppam constituency over the past five years, facilitated through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanism, thus eliminating any potential for favoritism or malfeasance.
Lastly, Jagan Mohan Reddy earnestly appealed to the electorate of Kuppam to pledge their support to the YSRCP candidate K J Y Bharat, an OBC candidate, promising to afford him a ministerial berth in his cabinet and vowing to spearhead a new era of development and welfare initiatives within the constituency through his representation.
