Vizag vs Amaravati: Political battle intensified

The political battle over Visakhapatnam and Amaravati has intensified, with YSRCP accusing the TDP-led coalition government of sidelining Vizag while focusing on Amaravati. Former minister Gudivada Amarnath alleged that the government was ignoring key issues facing the port city, particularly the drinking-water shortage, while using public platforms to target YSRCP and its leadership.

Amarnath claimed that 1.30 lakh house-site pattas distributed during the previous YSRCP government were subsequently stalled and alleged that the coalition government was deliberately neglecting Vizag to promote Amaravati. He also made allegations regarding the allocation of prime land in the city and alleged political links to some beneficiaries. These claims were made by Amarnath and have not been independently established in the reports reviewed.

The drinking-water crisis in parts of Vizag is a documented issue, with local officials and elected representatives recently reviewing shortages in areas including Madhurawada and Bheemili. Authorities have cited declining reservoir and groundwater levels and said a ₹550-crore project is being implemented as a longer-term solution. Meanwhile, the state government has also been taking measures on water availability amid wider drought concerns.