In a recent statement, former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has placed the blame for the state’s current financial troubles squarely on the previous government led by Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy. Naidu’s accusations come in the wake of alarming figures that reveal a dramatic increase in Andhra Pradesh’s debt over recent years.
According to Naidu, the fiscal policies and financial management under Reddy’s administration have significantly contributed to the state’s burgeoning debt. The figures speak for themselves: Andhra Pradesh’s debt has surged from Rs 3,75,295 crore in 2019 to a staggering Rs 9,74,556 crore in 2024. This near tripling of debt is a major point of contention in the ongoing political discourse.
Naidu argues that the steep rise in debt is a result of poor financial planning and questionable expenditure decisions made during Reddy’s tenure. He has criticized the previous government for what he describes as a lack of accountability and transparency, which, according to him, has exacerbated the state’s economic woes.
The current administration, led by Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy, has responded by defending its financial practices and citing various developmental projects and social schemes implemented during its term. Reddy’s government argues that the debt increase is also due to significant investments in infrastructure and social welfare programs aimed at improving the lives of the state’s residents.
As Andhra Pradesh grapples with this financial crisis, the debate over the causes of the state’s escalating debt continues to fuel political discourse. Both parties are expected to intensify their arguments as the state approaches upcoming elections, with financial management and economic policy emerging as key issues for voters.
The situation remains dynamic, and ongoing scrutiny of financial records and policy decisions will likely influence public perception and political outcomes in the coming months.
