Speaking at an event in Vizag, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu said that the new capital 'Amaravati' should generate a feeling of belongingness among all Andhras.
“Every Andhra person should feel that ‘Amaravati’ is his and this feeling should be encouraged in all possible ways,” said Naidu. This is easier said than done.
In the first place, the public is already inclined to the opinion that Amaravati is not an exercise intended for the benefit of the Andhras but an enterprise for the benefit of Chandrababu’s community only.
Further, there is absolutely no transparency in the master agreements with Singapore where the CM is rumored to have stashed away his ill-gotten wealth.
And finally, so many farmers have been deprived of their livelihoods and lands for this new capital. All sane voices to date have advised against the location of the new capital in the current location and on such a large scale.
Yet, Chandrababu is going ahead in an autocratic fashion. In such a scenario, how can the people feel a sense of ownership?
