Sharmila accuses Naidu of claiming undue credit for Polavaram canal works

Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Y.S. Sharmila on Thursday accused Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu of claiming undue credit for irrigation works linked to the Polavaram project, asserting that the bulk of the canal network was built during the tenure of her father, former Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy.

In a post on X, Sharmila said Naidu, while in opposition, had opposed the Jalayagnam programme and voiced reservations about Polavaram. She alleged that he now projects himself as a champion of irrigation and highlights the importance of Godavari waters for the state.

Sharmila said the foundation for the Polavaram irrigation system was laid during the YSR government, which secured administrative approvals in 2004, allocated ₹2,680 crore, and undertook land acquisition and major canal works before 2009. She claimed nearly 90% of the canal works were completed during YSR's tenure, even before the main dam works progressed significantly.

The right and left main canals were developed as part of YSR's efforts to realise Polavaram's irrigation potential, she said. Water currently supplied through the left main canal from the Purushottapatnam and Pushkara lift irrigation schemes is the result of work done under the YSR-led government, she added.

Sharmila contended that the present government has undertaken only minor works, yet the entire canal network is being projected as the outcome of Naidu's efforts.