Date:* 11 October 2025
Venue:* TDP Central Office, Mangalagiri
Gajuwaka MLA and TDP State President Palla Srinivasa Rao on Saturday lauded the coalition government for taking steps to ensure balanced regional development in Andhra Pradesh and credited Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu for attracting major industrial investments to the State. Speaking to the media at the party office, Mr. Rao said the State had successfully drawn companies such as TCS, Mahindra, Lulu, Reliance, NTPC, and several green‑technology and hydrogen firms to invest in Andhra Pradesh under the current government’s stewardship.
*Visakhapatnam: Poised to Become a Global Data Hub*
Mr. Rao highlighted the ongoing efforts to position Visakhapatnam as a global data hub. He noted that one of the world’s largest data centres, aimed at supporting AI initiatives, is being developed under the leadership of Minister Nara Lokesh. He further stated that a central government-backed agreement with Google-affiliated firm Raiden, amounting to ₹87,500 crore, would bolster the city’s IT infrastructure. Drawing comparisons with established global data hubs, he said Visakhapatnam is set to emerge as a premier centre, reinforcing the State’s Vision 2047 goal of transforming Andhra Pradesh into a “Golden Andhra Pradesh.”
Mr. Rao underscored that these initiatives, from IT parks to data centres, are being driven by the coalition government’s commitment to industrial growth, crediting Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu for the strategic facilitation of these investments.
*Allegations Against Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy*
Mr. Rao accused Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy of deliberately obstructing the State’s progress, alleging that the CM’s actions are motivated by fear of the future and an intent to disrupt investment flows. He claimed that attempts were being made to intimidate investors through correspondence with financial institutions, thereby creating uncertainty in Andhra Pradesh’s investment climate.
*On Medical Colleges and Public-Private Partnerships*
Addressing the ongoing debate on medical college construction, Mr. Rao defended the use of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. He refuted claims by the ruling YSRCP that the TDP government was privatizing medical colleges, stating that fiscal constraints necessitated this approach.
According to Mr. Rao, while constructing five new medical colleges requires approximately ₹7,300 crore, the YSRCP government has spent only ₹1,400 crore — largely from central funding — and opened colleges without adequate facilities. He emphasized that the PPP framework would expedite the completion of these institutions and make them operational sooner.
He also criticized the proposed fee structure, noting that 15% of seats are allocated under the All India Quota, with a significant portion of the remaining 85% designated under convenor quotas and higher fee slabs. He reiterated that the PPP model is intended to deliver rapid services to the public, drawing parallels with the earlier YSR regime’s Aarogyasri-linked support for private medical education.
*Visakhapatnam Steel Plant: Secured, Not Privatized*
Responding to allegations regarding the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP), Mr. Rao stated that the TDP-led government had secured ₹11,440 crore in special central assistance to preserve the plant. He asserted that the plant was not being privatized, and management along with labour unions would continue to operate it in the public interest, with ongoing support from the central and State governments. He accused Jagan Mohan Reddy of disseminating misleading information to misdirect public opinion.
*Illicit Liquor Issue and Party Discipline*
Mr. Rao alleged that the current State administration, under Mr. Jagan, has fostered conditions that encouraged illicit “kalti” liquor networks. He said that the TDP is actively enforcing party discipline, suspending individuals implicated in these issues, while noting that the ruling party has not taken comparable action against its own members.
*Safety of Senior Leader Botcha Satyanarayana*
Addressing concerns raised by senior leader Botcha Satyanarayana, Mr. Rao assured that both the party and the government would ensure his safety. He stated that Botcha’s fears for his life appear to stem from political hostility and assured that adequate protection would be provided.
*Summary:*
In his media interaction, Mr. Palla Srinivasa Rao highlighted the coalition government’s achievements in industrial investment, IT development, medical education, and the safeguarding of the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant. Simultaneously, he issued pointed criticism of Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy’s alleged attempts to impede progress, mislead the public, and create administrative obstacles. The TDP leader reiterated the party’s commitment to fostering development while maintaining public trust and internal discipline.
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