It is known that the retaining wall built along the Krishna River, which protected Krishna Lanka and other areas of Vijayawada from flooding during the recent floods, has become a topic of discussion in the media. Both YCP and TDP are claiming credit for it. Here’s some background on the matter:
The contractor, Mallikarjun, who constructed this retaining wall, has yet to receive payment. The total amount due is Rs 250 crore.
Despite several attempts to contact Dhanunjay Reddy, a YCP official responsible for processing the payment, Mallikarjun has been unsuccessful.
Reportedly, Dhanunjay Reddy asked Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy to clear the bill, and Jagan responded, “We are coming to power anyway. We will clear this first after the swearing-in ceremony.”
Unable to wait longer, despite believing YCP would return to power, Mallikarjun approached Jagan Mohan Reddy again, explaining that the delay was increasing his bank interest burden.
Jagan Mohan Reddy repeated the same assurance, asking him to wait for a month or two, as YCP was expected to return to power.
Ultimately, YCP lost the election. Now, it is uncertain whether the TDP government will clear the bill since the work was completed during YCP’s tenure.
Moreover, the TDP government may not highlight the contractor’s plight, as it would emphasize that the project was completed under Jagan’s administration, not TDP’s.
YCP supporters are also unlikely to publicize his struggles, as the responsibility for payment lies with Jagan’s government.
The builder of the retaining wall, which played a crucial role in protecting much of Vijayawada from floods, has yet to be compensated.
He secured loans from banks by showing the government work to complete the project on time. Now, the loan burden rests on him, and he is relying on the Andhra Pradesh government to clear the bill.
Will the people of Krishna Lanka in Vijayawada demand that his bill be cleared? No one knows. If they do, it would mark a significant moment in Indian democracy.