Y.S.Jagan Mohan Reddy surprised everyone when he emerged victorious in last year’s elections, and became the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. While all the promises he made to the state while campaigning were interesting, his true intentions seemed to surface when he decided to demolish Praja Vedika building in Undavalli, exactly one year ago.
Praja Vedika was built by TDP, during its rule – immediately after the bifurcation of the Telugu states. It was built because Andhra Pradesh did not have a proper capital, and was lagging behind on proper infrastructure. Praja Vedika acted as the place where meetings with collectors and other state officials could be held.
However, as soon as Y.S.Jagan came into power, the first thing he did was demolish Praja Vedika, stating that it was built on a river coast, and that it would obstruct the natural flow of water. Y.S.Jagan then immediately sent notice to TDP Chief Nara Chandrababu Naidu to vacate his house in Undavalli – quite close to Praja Vedika. When the owner of Chandrababu’s building, Lingamaneni Ramesh intervened and moved the court, the Chief Minister had to step back and let the trials decide.
Many questioned Y.S.Jagan’s real motivation behind demolishing Praja Vedika, and if he would demolish every building that rested on a river coast. The Chief Minister had no answer to that, which made his intentions very clear.
Praja Vedika has not been the only example of Y.S.Jagan’s personal vendetta against TDP and Chandrababu Naidu, as there have been many ever since he assumed office. His motivations often made Andhra Pradesh politics look more personal than objective, making it seem as though Jagan was out to get revenge, rather than to serve the people.