In Andhra Pradesh’s political circus, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has mastered the art of illusion, dazzling the public with grand gestures while leaving projects incomplete and promises unfulfilled. From ribbon-cutting ceremonies for unfinished ventures to commissioning subcontractors for hefty kickbacks, his 14-year tenure is marked by a flair for theatrics rather than tangible progress. Critics argue that his governance is a carefully staged performance, where optics overshadow outcomes, and commissions trump commitment.
“Five Times a Charm? Polavaram’s Endless Encores”
Take the Polavaram project, the lifeline of Telugu people, as a prime example. Naidu famously dedicated it to the nation not once, but five times—on December 26, 2016, December 30, 2016, June 8, 2017, January 8, 2018, and June 11, 2018—each time with a steel sheet propped up as a makeshift gate, heralding completion that never materialized. The soil beneath remained untouched, yet the fanfare continued with songs like “Jayamu Jayamu Chandranna” echoing through the site, turning a critical irrigation project into a mockery. Naidu even invited visitors, Tirumala-style, spending crores of public money to showcase a hollow achievement. Families picnicked at the site, but the project itself remained a mirage.
“Barrages and Bluffs: The Commission Con”
The script repeats across Nellore Barrage, Thotapalli Barrage, and Vamsadhara projects—half-baked initiatives inaugurated with pomp, only to languish while subcontractors pocketed commissions. In united Andhra Pradesh, Naidu’s flair for drama reached new heights with the Devadula project. He helicoptered in a mason, poured a handful of cement, and claimed credit—only for YS Rajasekhara Reddy to later complete it. Yet, Naidu shamelessly added it to his tally, a pattern of self-aggrandizement that defines his legacy.
“Helicopter Hype: The Devadula Drama”
His critics liken him to a magician pulling props from a pre-rigged box. “The public doesn’t always see the setup,” they say, pointing to his knack for hoodwinking voters. Now, back in power, Naidu spends his days blaming the previous YSRCP government, spinning tales of their failures while conveniently ignoring his own. But the people, they insist, haven’t forgotten his “shows,” gimmicks, and dramas.
“Thotapalli’s Stalled Saga”
One glaring memory is Thotapalli Barrage in North Andhra, meant to irrigate 1,31,221 acres and stabilize another 11,221. Funded fully under YS Rajasekhara Reddy, Naidu merely held an inaugural event, leaving even minor canals unfinished. It was YS Jagan Mohan Reddy’s administration that allocated Rs 123.21 crore to push it toward a March 2025 finish—until Naidu’s return stalled it again.
“Amaravati: Stones Laid, Dreams Delayed”
Amaravati, the dream capital, saw Prime Minister Modi lay its foundation, followed by Naidu’s six additional stone-laying ceremonies. Yet, five years in power yielded no progress. Nine months into his latest term, the story remains unchanged—grand promises, zero action. Even Juvvaladinne Fishing Harbour, completed under Jagan, was brazenly claimed as Naidu’s own, with plans now afoot to privatize it for his cronies.
“Juvvaladinne Jackpot: Claiming Credit, Cashing In”
Then there’s the infamous Kia Motors episode. Before a single car rolled off the assembly line, Naidu draped a black cloth over a model and declared it “launched,” a move that sparked social media ridicule. “Draping sheets and foils to stage dramas—that’s Chandrababu’s history,” netizens fumed.
“Kia’s Black Cloth Cover-Up”
Today, as he points fingers at the past regime, the irony isn’t lost on observers. A man who never prioritized projects or development, they say, has no business preaching accountability. With no budget allocations for growth and a focus on “loot, share, and devour” governance, Naidu’s latest act might just be his most audacious yet—a show where the curtain never lifts on real results.
