The commencement of construction work on the Rayalaseema Steel Plant in YSR Kadapa district has triggered a fresh political debate between the ruling Telugu Desam Party-led coalition and the opposition YSR Congress Party, with both sides claiming credit for the long-awaited project.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu formally launched construction work for the JSW Rayalaseema Steel Plant at Sunnapurallapalle on Friday. He described the project as the fulfilment of a two-decade-long aspiration of the people of Rayalaseema.
He said the coalition government had transformed the long-pending proposal into reality by initiating construction work, while accusing the previous YSRCP government of limiting itself to foundation stone ceremonies without executing the project.
The Chief Minister announced that commercial production at the steel plant is expected to begin by 2028.
Soon after the launch, YSRCP president and former Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy took to X and congratulated JSW Steel Chairman Sajjan Jindal and the company’s team, describing the project as a major milestone in the development of Rayalaseema. He said the project was possible due to sustained efforts made during his government.
Jagan argued that such mega industrial projects become possible only after years of planning and groundwork, asserting that the YSRCP government had laid the project’s foundation by securing key environmental clearances, water allocation, land acquisition and road connectivity.
He also alleged that the coalition government had delayed the project for nearly two years before construction finally commenced, while welcoming the beginning of the works.
Responding to Jagan’s message, Sajjan Jindal thanked the former Chief Minister and acknowledged the role played by his government during the project’s initial stages.
In his reply, Jindal said the journey from obtaining initial approvals during the previous government to the commencement of construction reflected sustained efforts, adding that JSW remained committed to completing the project quickly for the benefit of the region’s youth and families.
“Thank you for your kind wishes, Shri @ysjagan Garu. From the early approvals under your government to this commencement today, the journey reflects sustained effort — and we’re committed to completing it swiftly for the region’s youth and families,” Sajjan Jindal tweeted.
Jindal’s response has since fuelled a political confrontation on social media. YSRCP supporters argue that the industrialist’s remarks amount to an acknowledgment that the project became possible because the previous government secured critical approvals, accusing the TDP of attempting to claim undue credit.
TDP supporters, however, counter that while earlier approvals may have been obtained under the previous administration, it was the present government that ensured the development of essential infrastructure, including water supply, electricity and road connectivity, and facilitated the actual commencement of construction.
