Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu visited Markapuram in Prakasam district and laid the foundation stone for feeder canal lining works under the Veligonda Project. During the visit, Minister Gottipati Ravikumar strongly criticised the previous YSR Congress Party government over electricity pricing, irrigation projects, and alleged administrative failures.

CM’s Visit to Markapuram

Location: Markapuram, Prakasam district
Occasion: Foundation stone laying for feeder canal lining works of the Veligonda Project
Ministers present:
- Gottipati Ravikumar
- Dola Balaveeranjaneya Swamy
- Nimmala Ramanaidu

The visit marked Chandrababu Naidu’s first trip to Markapuram after district reorganisation.

P4 Policy & Welfare Spending

Minister Gottipati stated that under CM Naidu’s vision:

The P4 policy was introduced for wealth creation and poverty alleviation.
The coalition government has reportedly spent Rs 1,000 crore to support distressed families.
The aim is to reduce economic inequality and benefit the poor.

He contrasted this with the previous administration’s alleged “vote-oriented welfare.”

Electricity Charges Controversy

Gottipati accused the former government led by Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy of:

Increasing electricity tariffs nine times under “true-up” charges
Burdening the power sector with Rs 1.29 lakh crore debt

He claimed that after the coalition government assumed office, a 13 paise “true-down” relief was provided to consumers within 15 months.

Allegations on Irrigation Projects

The minister criticised the previous government over the Veligonda Project, alleging:

Premature dedication before project completion
Damage to Gundlakamma gates
Illegal sand looting

He further stated that after the coalition took charge:

Farmers received timely irrigation water
Crops were protected
20 lakh fish fingerlings were released to support fishermen livelihoods

TTD & Other Allegations

Gottipati also accused the previous regime of:

Mismanagement of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams
Alleged adulteration of the famous Tirumala laddu

Additionally, he highlighted pension reforms, stating that CM Naidu increased pensions immediately after taking office.

Key Entities

N. Chandrababu Naidu – Andhra Pradesh CM
Gottipati Ravikumar – State Minister
YSR Congress Party – Opposition party
Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy – Former CM
Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams – Temple administration body

Final Verdict

CM Chandrababu Naidu’s Markapuram visit focused on irrigation infrastructure development, while Minister Gottipati Ravikumar used the platform to launch sharp criticism against the previous YSRCP government. The event combined developmental announcements with political counterattacks, reflecting ongoing political rivalry in Andhra Pradesh.