The Governor’s address at the start of the Assembly Budget Session has triggered a strong political rebuttal, with critics saying it contained more blame and selective numbers than a clear account of governance. They argue that nearly two years into office and while presenting its third budget, the coalition government repeated allegations against the previous YSRCP regime instead of showcasing its own measurable achievements. According to this view, welfare rollback, rising public burden, and weak revenue performance contrast sharply with the claims made in the speech.
Old Blame, No New Report Card
The address largely targeted the previous Jagan-led government while offering little data-backed detail on the coalition’s own performance. Welfare schemes earlier implemented were discontinued, and several pre-poll promises under the “Super Six” banner remain unfulfilled. Observers note that repeating past criticism without presenting current outcomes reflects a thin governance report card.
2014–19 Called a ‘Golden Era’?
The portrayal of 2014–19 as a golden period is disputed. That phase is described by critics as driven by real-estate activity in the name of the capital, with inflated project estimates that added to debt without commensurate progress. It is recalled that when the government demitted office in 2019, only about Rs.100 crore remained in the treasury and borrowing limits were reportedly exhausted. Against this backdrop, calling it a golden era while blaming the post-2019 period for decline is seen as contradictory.
Welfare Delivery Despite COVID
Despite two COVID years, the YSRCP government is credited by its supporters with delivering about Rs.4.10 lakh crore in benefits via DBT and non-DBT schemes. This spending, they argue, protected household purchasing power and supported market circulation. These aspects, however, found little mention in the Governor’s speech.
Borrowings: Five Years vs 20 Months
A key contrast highlighted is on public debt. The YSRCP government borrowed about Rs.3.32 lakh crore over five years while running welfare and development programmes. The coalition, by comparison, is said to have borrowed around Rs.3.27 lakh crore in just 20 months. This acceleration in debt, critics say, was not adequately reflected in the address.
Power Tariffs and Public Burden
In the last 18–20 months, people have reportedly faced a burden of about Rs.20,000 crore through higher electricity and registration charges. Simultaneously, concerns are raised about weakened Aarogyasri coverage, stalled fee reimbursement, and farmers struggling without assured MSP and input support. Even regulator-mandated tariff reductions were projected as government achievements, according to detractors.
‘Swarnandhra Vision’ Under Question
Ambitious projections — a Rs.308 lakh crore economy and Rs.55 lakh per-capita income by 2047 — are viewed as aspirational but unrealistic without matching fundamentals. Several “Super Six” promises are cited as largely unimplemented:
- No Rs.1,500 monthly Adabidda Nidhi
- No Rs.3,000 unemployment allowance
- Partial gas cylinder support
- Limited free bus travel
- Pension hikes offset by beneficiary cuts
- Thalliki Vandanam replacing Amma Vodi with reduced coverage
Despite this, these schemes were presented as successes.
Nadu–Nedu Momentum Slows
Earlier education reforms under Nadu–Nedu reportedly upgraded government schools and increased demand. Now, falling enrollments are being flagged. Health-sector infrastructure improvements under the same programme are also said to have slowed.
Limited Gains from the Centre
Though the state claims influence at the national level, critics say there are no major gains from the Union Budget. Even high-speed rail corridors merely passing through the state were highlighted as achievements. Announcements of multiple thematic cities and large investments are viewed as reminiscent of past publicity cycles.
Land Resurvey Continuity
The current government continues the land resurvey that it once criticized, with minimal changes beyond passbook photo updates, according to opponents.
GDP vs Revenue: The Mismatch
While citing GSDP growth from Rs.15.91 lakh crore to Rs.17.62 lakh crore and rising per-capita income, the speech faces scrutiny due to CAG data showing tax revenue growth of only 1.97%. With double-digit GSDP growth, such low revenue expansion raises fiscal questions. Among 23 states, Andhra Pradesh reportedly ranks 22nd in tax revenue growth. While Union gross tax revenues grew 9.64%, the state’s growth remained at 1.97%, yet official claims project superior performance.
The Larger Political Charge
The broader criticism is that the state is seeing more publicity than policy outcomes. Rising debt, allegations of corruption, and political vendetta are cited as areas where the state is unfortunately leading. For critics, the Governor’s address offered little that was new or measurable, and they call for a clearer, data-driven governance narrative in the budgets ahead.
