TDP in Andhra Pradesh approves allotment of 466 acres to SSEL
In a surprising move, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP)-led government in Andhra Pradesh has approved the allotment of 466 acres in the Kadapa district to Shirdi Sai Electricals Limited (SSEL) for setting up a ₹4,914 crore greenfield manufacturing facility. This decision has raised eyebrows as the TDP, while in opposition, had labelled SSEL as a “benami” (front) company for the former Chief Minister, Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, who is now the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh.
The TDP’s U-turn on SSEL has sparked controversy, with many questioning the party’s change in stance. The decision to grant the land to SSEL is seen as a reversal of the TDP’s previous stance, where they had accused the company of being a front for the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP). The TDP had alleged that SSEL was set up to benefit the YSRCP and its leaders, and that the company was not a genuine business entity.
However, with the TDP now in power, the party seems to have changed its tune. The approval of the land allotment to SSEL has been seen as a move to woo investors to the state and to promote industrial growth. The TDP government has argued that the project will bring in significant investment and create jobs, which will benefit the local economy.
The SSEL project is expected to be a major boost to the state’s economy, with an estimated investment of ₹4,914 crore. The project is expected to create thousands of jobs, both directly and indirectly, and will contribute to the state’s revenue. The company has proposed to set up a manufacturing facility for electrical equipment, including transformers, switchgears, and other electrical products.
The Kadapa district, where the land has been allotted, is one of the most backward regions in the state. The area has been struggling with poverty and unemployment, and the SSEL project is expected to bring in much-needed development to the region. The project is expected to not only create jobs but also to stimulate economic growth in the area.
However, the opposition parties have criticized the TDP government’s decision, alleging that the land allotment is a quid pro quo deal. The YSRCP has welcomed the decision, saying that it is a vindication of their stand that SSEL is a genuine business entity. The party has argued that the TDP’s previous allegations against SSEL were baseless and motivated by political considerations.
The controversy surrounding SSEL is not new. The company has been at the center of a political storm in the state, with the TDP and YSRCP trading charges against each other. The TDP had alleged that SSEL was set up by the YSRCP to benefit its leaders and to launder money. The YSRCP had denied these allegations, saying that SSEL is a genuine business entity that has been set up to promote industrial growth in the state.
The decision to approve the land allotment to SSEL has also raised questions about the TDP’s commitment to transparency and accountability. The party had promised to promote transparency and accountability in governance, but the decision to grant land to SSEL has been seen as a departure from this promise.
In conclusion, the TDP government’s decision to approve the allotment of 466 acres to SSEL has sparked controversy and raised questions about the party’s commitment to transparency and accountability. While the project is expected to bring in significant investment and create jobs, the opposition parties have criticized the decision, alleging that it is a quid pro quo deal. The controversy surrounding SSEL is a reminder of the complex and often murky world of politics in Andhra Pradesh, where parties often trade charges and counter-charges against each other.
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