Amaravati, July 31:
In Andhra Pradesh, two prominent former bureaucrats — ex-DGP AB Venkateswara Rao and former State Election Commissioner Nimmagadda Ramesh Kumar — have taken firm stands against two major initiatives of the state government, raising political heat in the state.
On one end, AB Venkateswara Rao is vocal about his concerns regarding the *Banakacharla project, claiming it poses a heavy financial burden on the state. On the other, Nimmagadda Ramesh Kumar has begun actively questioning the *second phase of land pooling for Amaravati capital development.
ABV Targets Banakacharla Project
AB Venkateswara Rao, who earlier served as an IPS officer, is now engaging with intellectual forums and civil society under the banner of “Alochana Parula Vedika”. He has begun field-level assessments, aiming to highlight what he calls the flawed foundation of the Banakacharla lift irrigation scheme. According to him, the project’s design, based on the Srisailam reservoir, lacks sustainability.
Rao has also formed a technical team, including two senior experts, to study the ground realities and submit a detailed report. His objective is to alert the public and government about the long-term economic implications of the project.
Nimmagadda Questions Amaravati Land Pooling – Phase 2
Meanwhile, retired IAS officer Nimmagadda Ramesh Kumar has reignited the debate around Amaravati’s land pooling model. He had previously raised concerns about governance during his SEC tenure and is now using the same platform to challenge the second phase of the capital region’s land acquisition process.
Unlike ABV’s direct confrontation, Nimmagadda adopts a cautious tone. He argues that the government should first ensure justice for farmers who contributed land in the first phase. Only after fully delivering on those promises, he says, should the state proceed with further land pooling.
A Political Undercurrent
Both ABV and Nimmagadda have a history of confrontations with the current YSRCP-led government. Their renewed activism — this time targeting two of the government’s prestige projects — is drawing attention from both media and political circles.
What makes this more interesting is the methodical approach they’ve adopted. Neither is relying solely on rhetoric; both are supporting their views with field studies, legal awareness campaigns, and expert opinions.
Observers believe this could influence public opinion, especially in rural areas directly impacted by these projects.
Key Highlights:
- AB Venkateswara Rao raises concerns over Banakacharla project’s financial viability.
- Nimmagadda Ramesh Kumar questions the need for Amaravati’s second phase of land pooling.
- Both former officials have formed platforms to voice dissent.
- Their moves are seen as politically significant due to their past clashes with CM Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy.
- Public response to their campaigns could impact the narrative around these government initiatives.