The controversy triggered by unsigned mails sent to the World Bank opposing loan to Andhra Pradesh for construction of the Capital city Amaravati has deepened with the State government alleging involvement of the YSR Congress in the campaign.
Finance Minister Yanamala Ramakrishnudu on Tuesday took a dig at the YSR Congress, saying its leaders sent the mails under the guise of farmers. The YSRC earlier too instigated the farmers to file petitions in the National Green Tribunal. They also sent mails to Foreign Ministers urging them not to attend the foundation-laying ceremony for the Capital city. “Now they have stooped to the level of urging the WB not to sanction loans,” he alleged.
It was unfortunate they were opposing the ₹4,600-crore loan to the State. The YSRC was apprehensive that it would not have any future if the Capital city was constructed. Hence, they were sending unsigned mails to the WB, he alleged.
Meanwhile, AP Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA) Commissioner Ch. Sridhar said the World Bank’s inspection panel had disclosed that it had received a request for inspection on May 25 and on May 27 by certain farmers alleging that they were likely to be harmed by the Land Pooling Scheme. The panel also said the request was registered on June 12. “The inspection panel has notified in its website that registration of the request does not imply any judgment on its part on the merits of the request,” he said.
The CRDA would assist the Bank by furnishing inputs and facilitate fulfilling the formalities in the interest of the Government of Andhra Pradesh and farmers who had parted with their land. This would help to counter the misinformation campaign being carried out on the project and project appraisal would be completed as per the original schedule, he added.
