Emotions run high in Andhra Pradesh Cabinet over Annamayya district headquarters issue

Emotional undercurrents marked the Andhra Pradesh Cabinet meeting on Monday as the contentious issue of the Annamayya district headquarters, particularly Rayachoti, triggered an intense debate within the ruling dispensation.

Transport Minister Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy reportedly broke down during discussions on the proposal to shift the Annamayya district headquarters from Rayachoti, underscoring the deep political and emotional stakes involved in the proposed administrative reorganisation.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu intervened immediately to console the Minister and explained the technical and administrative challenges involved in retaining Rayachoti as the district headquarters. He elaborated on the rationale behind the proposed change and reassured Mr. Ramprasad Reddy that the government would address all concerns relating to the town’s future development.

The Chief Minister said district reorganisation was guided by long-term administrative efficiency, public convenience, and the need to ensure balance and viability in district formation. Referring to the strong demands raised by the Minister, he questioned whether it would be administratively feasible to elevate a single Assembly constituency as a full-fledged district.

Seeking to reassure stakeholders, Mr. Naidu categorically stated that the Rayachoti Assembly constituency would be developed as a major district-level growth centre. He said he would personally oversee efforts to fast-track infrastructure, administrative facilities, and overall development in the region.

Later, Mr. Ramprasad Reddy described the party and the people of Rayachoti as his “two eyes”, reaffirming his commitment to the constituency. He said that while Railway Kodur preferred Tirupati and Rajampet leaned towards Kadapa, Rayachoti had been left isolated.

He clarified that the gazette notification issued on November 27 made no reference to any change in the district headquarters and that no official proposal had emerged over the past month. However, the Chief Minister had recently conveyed the decision to shift the headquarters while assuring him that Rayachoti’s development would remain a top priority.

Briefing the media on the Cabinet decisions, Revenue Minister Anagani Satya Prasad dismissed speculation about hasty decisions or possible resignations and said that Mr. Ramprasad Reddy remained focused on the region’s development.