The struggle of the ruling TDP in Andhra Pradesh to get central funds for the Polavaram Irrigation project could be a blessing in disguise for opposition YSRCP, which is looking to woo people affected by the project and disgruntled over compensation.
The Telugu Desam Party (TDP), once a part of the NDA has been locked in a struggle with the Centre over release of funds for Polavaram, which has been declared a national project and is considered a lifeline for a resource-starved Andhra Pradesh.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his election rallies in the state has accused the TDP of slowing down the project.
Chief Minister and TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu's retort to Modi is that the state is determined to complete the project within the stipulated time despite throttling of central funds.
Though 68.5 per cent of the work is complete, rehabilitation and resettlement, including compensation, has been slow due to a delay in release of central funds, according to a government official.
YSR Congress (YSRCP) chief Jaganmohan Reddy -- considered the 'B' team of the BJP -- is trying to woo 98,000 affected families and has promised villagers additional compensation if his party's candidates in adjoining East and West Godavari districts win.
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In this rift between the state and the Centre, other political parties, especially the YSRCP, are making an attempt to woo the displaced villagers, whose land were acquired for the irrigation project.
The Polavaram Irrigation project will irrigate 2.91 lakh hectares, generate 960 MW of power, and fulfil water needs of industries and 540 villages in Andhra Pradesh.
Fifty per cent of the affected population are tribals, 15 per cent Muslims, and the rest are from backward classes.
"We were promised a compensation of Rs 10 lakh per family unit as opposed to Rs 6 lakh sanctioned by the TDP government," a resident of Koyiagadam village said, expressing a popular sentiment.
Deputy Executive Engineer of the project, Balakrishna Murthy, told PTI that "about 68.5 per cent of the works have been completed so far, and the rest will be finished by December 2019. The dam's construction work is progressing at a fast pace."
Through shifts, officials are ensuring