Telugu Desam Party president N. Chandrababu Naidu seems to have taken people of Krishna and Guntur districts for a ride. In his declarations in both districts he gave an impression that the Super Specialty Hospital was their right.
A recall of the events and promises: Puligadda - Penumudi varadhi, February 27: “Let us construct a Super Specialty Hospital at Managalagiri as soon as the TDP comes to power,” Mr. Naidu said in his declaration before leaving Guntur district.
Upputeru, March 9: “Super Specialty Hospital will become a reality in Vijayawada as soon as TDP comes to power,” the TDP leader said before leaving Krishna district.
Mr. Naidu made the same announcement during his first phase of ‘Vastunna Meekosam’ padayatra in the city in the first week of February. Later, he proceeded to Guntur district on February 6 and re-entered the district on February 27.
Taking a ‘U’ turn from the promises made in Guntur district, Mr. Naidu asserted that the hospital would be constructed at Vijayawada. The Super Specialty Hospital issue has become a bone of contention between both districts ever since former Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy stated that the hospital would be constructed at Mangalagiri as sufficient land was not available in the city.
Late Reddy had stated that the hospital would be constructed on the premises of TB sanatorium at Mangalagiri, which is located close to both Vijayawada and Guntur cities.
Krishna district Telugu Desam leaders, however, made a hue and cry over the proposal to construct the hospital at TB sanatorium. The opposition parties, in both districts, had been demanding that the Government construct the hospital in their respective places. The leaders from Mangalagiri and Guntur alleged that the Government lacked clarity and was contemplating shifting the proposed hospital to Vijayawada city under pressure from people's representatives there.
The TDP leader’s visit and assurance created more confusion among the leaders and cadre leave alone the public. In the first phase of his tour Mr. Naidu covered six Assembly constituencies, seven mandals, two municipalities, 83 villages, and one corporation walking 155.3 k.m. in 17 days.
In the second phase of his tour that lasted 11 days he covered 155.2 k.m. covering one municipality, 60 villages, eight mandals, and four Assembly constituencies.
