Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu released a white paper on the power sector today, prompting strong criticism from former minister and YSRCP leader Kakani Govardhan Reddy. Govardhan Reddy condemned the white paper as misleading, accusing Chandrababu of using it to unfairly target Jagan’s administration.
Govardhan Reddy asserted that instead of providing an accurate overview of the sector, Chandrababu’s white paper focused solely on criticizing the YSRCP government. He alleged that under Chandrababu’s leadership, the power sector suffered corruption and the collapse of discoms. Govardhan Reddy questioned Chandrababu’s decision-making regarding power deals that allegedly neglected the state’s interests, citing an agreement to pay Rs 7 per unit despite reduced solar power prices. He also criticized Chandrababu for initiating significant true-up charges.
“When Chandrababu resigned, the power sector debt stood at Rs 86,215 crore,” Govardhan Reddy added, highlighting the financial challenges during Chandrababu’s tenure from 2014 to 2019, where the sector’s growth rate remained low at 1.9 percent. In contrast, Govardhan Reddy pointed out that under Jagan’s administration, the power sector’s growth rate has risen to 4.7 percent, surpassing the national average.
Govardhan Reddy concluded by accusing Chandrababu of prioritizing criticism of Jagan over addressing substantive issues in the power sector.