Botcha slams NDA’s Amaravati push, demands Special Status

YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) MLC Botcha Satyanarayana on Saturday came down heavily on the NDA government, alleging that its focus on Amaravati was aimed more at publicity than meaningful development.

Speaking to the media here, he questioned the State’s lack of initiative in securing Special Category Status (SCS) for Andhra Pradesh. He asserted that SCS would facilitate the development of multiple urban centres, including Amaravati, and drive overall economic progress.

Mr. Satyanarayana pointed out that even basic infrastructure in Amaravati remains incomplete despite the passage of several years. “Key works such as roads along the river embankment are still unfinished. Construction of residential quarters for Ministers, MLAs, and even housing for Class IV employees has seen little progress in the last two years,” he said.

He called on the government to release a White Paper outlining expenditure and progress made in Amaravati over the past two years, and sought a clear timeline for completion of the capital project.

Alleging neglect of pressing public concerns, he said farmers were reeling under poor price realisation, the Arogyasri scheme had been stalled, and students were facing hardship due to pending fee reimbursement dues.

Accusing the government of prioritising large infrastructure projects over welfare, Mr. Satyanarayana said it had failed to adequately address the needs of the people.

He reiterated that development should be decentralised and not restricted to Amaravati alone, and urged the State government to mount pressure on the Centre to introduce a Bill granting Special Category Status in the forthcoming Parliament sessions.