YSRCP leader Buggana accuses Andhra CM Naidu over broken promises, rising debt, welfare failures

Hyderabad: YSRCP senior leader and Andhra Pradesh former finance minister Buggana Rajendranath Reddy has accused chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu of deceiving voters with grand promises, pushing the State into deeper debt, and failing to deliver on welfare schemes that formed the cornerstone of his election campaign.

Addressing a press conference at the Press Club here on Sunday, Buggana alleged that the TDP’s pre-election promises, ranging from free bus travel for women to free LPG cylinders and financial aid for students, remain unfulfilled months after coming to power.

“Not a single major welfare scheme has reached the people. Even one full LPG cylinder hasn’t been distributed. Where are the three free cylinders they promised?” he asked.

Election promises remain on paper

Buggana targeted the TDP’s flagship assurances, stating that the government had gone door-to-door before elections, promising higher benefits than the previous regime, but had failed to deliver once in power. “They said they would give four times what we gave. But what have they given? Nothing but disappointment,” he said.

He also criticised initiatives like Yuvagalam, calling it a ‘gimmick’ that misled nearly 20 lakh youth without providing real opportunities.

Rising debt, shrinking revenue

The former minister warned of serious fiscal mismanagement, claiming that the State’s debt burden has worsened under TDP rule.

“In 2014, Andhra Pradesh’s public account liabilities were Rs 32,990 crore. By the time Chandrababu left office, they had increased to Rs 76,516 crore. We brought that down to Rs 76,038 crore,” Buggana said.

He further added that during the YSRCP regime, Rs 478 crore was repaid towards employee provident fund liabilities funds allegedly misused by the previous TDP government. “Nearly Rs 57,000 crore of employee money was used by the TDP. We worked to restore trust. What has the new government done?” he questioned.

The former finance minister also questioned the discrepancy in welfare spending, highlighting that while the current budget shows a similar outlay as the previous one, none of the funds appear to be reaching the public. “If your expenditure after salaries and debt servicing is Rs 1.07 lakh crore, and ours was Rs 1.09 lakh crore, why aren’t you implementing welfare schemes?” he asked.

‘No visible governance, only liquor shops open’

Buggana painted a grim picture of the economic activity in the State, stating that most businesses are shutting down early while only liquor shops remain operational late into the night. “It looks like there’s a curfew in business districts. The only lights visible at night are from wine shops,” he said, warning that people are being forced to turn to private finance at high interest due to a lack of support.

‘Media under pressure, journalists targeted’

In a strong defence of press freedom, Buggana expressed concern over what he called vindictive behaviour toward senior journalists, particularly Kommineni Srinivasa Rao. “Why so much hate toward a veteran journalist? He deserves respect, not political vengeance,” Buggana said, invoking the Supreme Court’s stance on protecting the rights of the media.

‘You are not CM of one party alone’

Buggana concluded by urging CM Chandrababu Naidu to rise above party lines and govern for all citizens. “Over 40 per cent of people voted for us. Don’t punish them by denying welfare schemes. You are the chief minister of the entire state, not just one party,” he said.