There is an Urdu saying in Telangana: “Chaarane ki murgi ko, baarane ka masala” (Spending more for the masala than the cost of chicken).
Well, one can apply this to Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority, which is overseeing the construction of the capital city at Amaravati.
During the first term of the Chandrababu Naidu government between 2014 and 2019, when it proposed to develop Amaravati as the capital city, it had begun construction of an own building for APCRDA in the capital region.
The construction of the APCRDA building began on 3.62 acres of land, covering a total area of 2.42 lakh square feet at a cost of Rs 82 crore.
Over half of the construction was completed, when there was a change in regime with YSR Congress led by Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy took over and abandoned the Amaravati project.
After the coalition government, once again led by Chandrababu Naidu, returned to power in 2024, the construction of the building resumed at a rapid pace. And it is nearing completion.
The surprising part, however, is that despite the original estimate of Rs 82 crore for the entire building, the Naidu government has now allocated a whopping Rs 160 crore more for the interiors of the building. This decision was finalized in a recent cabinet meeting, and a government order (GO) was issued to this effect.
According to GO No. 868 issued by the municipal department, the Rs 160 crore allocation will cover architectural works, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing installations, IT infrastructure, and external development works around the APCRDA office.
The decision kicked up a controversy with many calling it the height of corruption.
“One can construct a magnificent building with Rs 160 crore, complete with world-class facilities. Such an amount could even ensure seven-star amenities,” an analyst said.
A senior TDP leader remarked that corruption is being deeply entrenched in the very premises of the APCRDA building, which is supposed to oversee the capital city development works.
“What is worse, such a massive cost just for interiors, was approved by the state cabinet. Since it is a cabinet decision, such a move would shield Naidu and others from future accountability,” he said.
Allegations have also surfaced that contracts worth thousands of crores of rupees, allocated for the development of iconic structures, land pooling layouts, and road works in Amaravati, have been handed over exclusively to companies close to the ruling leadership.
Interestingly, the Jana Sena Party leaders, including deputy chief minister Pawan Kalyan, have not raised any objection to such a high-cost proposal when it was placed before the cabinet.
Even BJP’s minister in the cabinet, Satya Kumar, remained silent and gave his nod in the cabinet, analyst pointed out.
