Amaravati, April 8 YSRCP chief Jagan Mohan Reddy proposed MAVIGUN as an "economical and practical" alternative for the state capital, alleging that the TDP-led NDA government was promoting costly projects.
Recently, Jagan suggested declaring Machilipatnam, Vijayawada, and Guntur (MAVIGUN) as the capital corridor instead of Greenfield Amaravati, which he said would require Rs 2 lakh crore to build.
He claimed that MAVIGUN would cost only a fraction of Amaravati's expenses.
Addressing party cadres from West Godavari district at the party's central office in Tadepalli, Jagan said MAVIGUN would ensure balanced regional growth at a lower cost.
"The MAVIGUN model is economical, practical, and will cost only a fraction of Amaravati, ensuring development without burdening the state," Jagan said.
He further added that the 110-km-long MAVIGUN corridor offers strategic advantages, being close to a national highway, Machilipatnam Port, and an international airport.
Jagan alleged that the Amaravati project costs were inflated, claiming construction rates were significantly higher than national averages, "benefiting select groups".
He further accused the government of diverting mobilisation advances in Amaravati works as kickbacks, raising concerns over transparency and accountability.
The former chief minister also accused the NDA coalition government of failing to address the "increasing incidents of violence and harassment against women."
He alleged that those who make derogatory remarks against women still occupy positions of power, encouraging similar behaviour within the system.
Complaints by women, he alleged, were often ignored while cases were filed against victims, reflecting a lack of respect for women.
He also alleged that MLAs and even associates of ministers were involved in harassing women, with authorities taking no action.
Jagan also criticised the NDA government’s borrowings, alleging that over Rs 3.5 lakh crore had been raised without clarity on utilisation. In contrast, he said the previous YSRCP government (2019-2024) utilised over Rs 3.3 lakh crore, largely for welfare through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) schemes.
He claimed that state revenues were declining due to diversion of income in sectors such as liquor, sand, and minerals, and that welfare promises remained unfulfilled, affecting students, farmers, and women.
Jagan asserted that public dissatisfaction was rising and said the party would intensify its political fight against the ruling coalition.
He added that he would launch a 'padayatra' (journey on foot) to expose "governance failures" and reaffirmed that the YSRCP would continue to stand with the people.