Jagan Neglected Jal Jeevan Mission: Pawan Kalyan

Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan today accused the previous Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy-led government of neglecting the Union Government's Jal Jeevan Mission.

He alleged that the previous YSRCP regime had completely ignored the development of Prakasam district, particularly the lack of progress on the Velugonda project.

The Deputy CM visited Markapuram in Prakasam district, and at Narasimhapuram in Markapuram mandal, laid the foundation stone for Jal Jeevan Mission works worth Rs 1,290 crore.

Addressing a large public gathering on the occasion, Pawan Kalyan said, "Being the son of a government employee, I had travelled through five districts, including Prakasam and Nellore. In Nellore, Anam Vivekananda Reddy helped me get an Intermediate seat. When I think of Prakasam district, I recall Andhra Kesari Tanguturi Prakasam Pantulu - the brave leader who stood up to the Simon Commission. It is a pity that Prakasam district has long been neglected and the Velugonda project has remained incomplete for decades. We stayed in Ongole for two years and in Kanigiri for six months, but had to leave due to the fluoride problem. That is why we have prioritised Jal Jeevan Mission works for Prakasam district."

He also accused the former YSRCP government of promoting rowdyism and hooliganism, and said that while the current government did not believe in revenge, it would take strict action against wrongdoing.

"This is not a government driven by vengeance, and I harbour no personal anger toward anyone, but we will punish those who commit mistakes," he said.

He also urged people not to be intimidated by the YSRCP's aggressive slogans such as "cutting throats", and asked how the party expected to return to power with such slogans.

"If we are afraid of rowdies and goons, we cannot survive in politics. We work for the people that's why we are in politics. If YSRCP leaders had truly governed well, they wouldn't have been reduced to just 11 Assembly seats," he said. He warned the YSRCP against provoking those who were quietly and sincerely working, and said that the party's downfall was due to its threats and intimidation of ordinary people.