Mohammed Ahmed Shariff, the Andhra Pradesh Government Adviser on Minority Affairs, has launched a stinging critique against YSRCP President and former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy. The dispute centers on the projected costs of reviving the Amaravati capital city project, with Shariff accusing the opposition leader of deliberately inflating construction figures to manipulate public perception.
Discrepancies in Construction Estimates
According to Shariff, Jagan Mohan Reddy has been circulating “false and exaggerated” numbers regarding the financial requirements for the state capital’s infrastructure. While addressing the media, Shariff clarified that the current administration is operating on a budget that averages approximately ₹6,980 per square foot for the ongoing developments in Amaravati.
In contrast, the former Chief Minister has allegedly been quoting figures nearly double that amount. “The YSRCP chief is misleading the public by inflating the cost to a range between ₹12,000 and ₹14,000 per square foot,” Shariff stated. He emphasized that these claims are not supported by the government’s actual fiscal planning or the technical estimates provided by engineering teams.
The Battle for Amaravati’s Reputation
The construction of Amaravati has been a central point of political contention in Andhra Pradesh for years. After the project was largely sidelined during Jagan’s tenure in favor of a “three-capital” model, the current government has moved aggressively to restore its status as the sole administrative center. Shariff argues that the YSRCP’s focus on inflated costs is a strategic attempt to frame the project as a financial burden on the state’s residents.
Commitment to Transparency
Shariff further asserted that the incumbent government is committed to maintaining transparency regarding the capital’s development. He urged citizens to rely on official data rather than “politically motivated misinformation.” The adviser noted that the cost-effective management of the project is a priority, ensuring that public funds are utilized efficiently without compromising the quality of the international-standard city.
As the war of words over Amaravati intensifies, the state government continues to move forward with land leveling and infrastructure repairs, aiming to prove that the capital remains a viable and economically sound reality for Andhra Pradesh.
