Polavaram irrigation project spillway works launched

The conspicuous absence of union ministers at the launching of prestigious Polavaram irrigation project spillway works launched by him this afternoon said to be a rude shock treatment by the BJP high command to the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu. BJP circles confirms the growing `trust deficit’ among two parties.

The Chief Minister has organised with a massive public meeting to showcase as if it was his achievement and initiative helping to realise the seven-decade old dream of Telugu people for this project. He has personally invited three union ministers from BJP for this event, to convey the message to the people that the Narendra Modi government is behind him.

Originally, he invited Union Water Resources Minister Uma Bharathi for launching works, but she said to be avoided politely.

He also invited union railway minister Suresh Prabhu, who was elected to the Rajya Sabha from the state. It seems, he planned his tour schedule so that to enable him to be in the programme. He was in Hyderabad yesterday and was scheduled to attend some Railway programmes in Vijayawada. But seems to be due to `directives’ from the party high-command, he had return back from Hyderabad, cancelling his Vijayawada tour.

Another union minister M Venkaiah Naidu was a frequent visitor to the state and presenting himself in almost all important programmes of Chandrababu Naidu, projecting himself as `B-Team’ Chandrababu Naidu. This has been resulting in discontent of the local BJP leadership. But his absence also seems to be sending a `warning signal’ to the TDP leadership.

According to sources, BJP leadership is angry towards Chandrababu Naidu for his craziness to claim all central assisted programmes as of his `personal achievements’ without giving due share to the BJP leadership in the state.

In fact, the then Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhar Reddy had laid foundation for these works in November, 2004 itself. But again having foundation with a big hype, without resolving several contentious issues like displaces people’s rehabilitation and compensation issues, also said to be attracting centre’s ire.