Amaravati Row: Frequent CRDA Transfers Raise Questions!
Will Andhra Pradesh’s capital Amaravati be completed in this term at all? This is the growing concern among the farmers who had given their lands for the capital project. In fact, compared to the past, several factors—including loans facilitated by the Centre—have created a favorable environment for faster completion of Amaravati this time. However, surprisingly, discussions are emerging even within TDP circles that many obstacles are now arising from within the government itself. Many TDP supporters often praise Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu as a visionary leader. But even before completing two years in power, the Amaravati Capital Region Development Authority (AP CRDA), which is responsible for building the capital, has already seen two commissioners being replaced. Now, a third commissioner has taken charge. After the coalition government came to power, Katamneni Bhaskar—known for his integrity—was initially appointed to the post. However, he was not allowed to continue for long. There is talk within TDP circles that Bhaskar was removed because he did not act in line with the directions of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and Minister Narayana.
Following his removal, Kannababu—who is said to have close ties with Minister Narayana—was appointed as the CRDA Commissioner. However, in recent days, differences reportedly emerged between Minister Narayana and Kannababu, according to sources within the department. At the same time, CRDA has been facing a wave of allegations unlike ever before. In this backdrop, Kannababu was transferred from CRDA to the Civil Supplies Department. Now, Vijayarama Raju, who is currently serving as the Director of School Education under Minister Nara Lokesh, has been appointed as the new CRDA Commissioner. This move has sparked discussions in political and administrative circles about whether it is a signal directed at Minister Narayana.
During the YSRCP regime, Vijayarama Raju also served for some time as the District Collector of Kadapa. However, officials say there may not be much difference between the working styles of Kannababu and Vijayarama Raju. At the same time, it is being said that he tends to focus more on implementing the directives of top leadership rather than other administrative priorities. Frequent changes of officials in a crucial post like the AP CRDA are being viewed by bureaucratic circles as damaging to the government’s own credibility. Meanwhile, there are also allegations that large-scale contracts under CRDA have been awarded to selected firms. From building construction to roads and other works, estimates are allegedly being inflated indiscriminately, putting a burden on the state exchequer while those in power are said to be benefiting significantly.
