metro india news  I amaravati

In what can be termed as nothing less than a bizarre statement, the Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh made provocative remarks that stirred political ripples. Claiming that “Konaseema has come under an evil eye,” he said leaders from Telangana once praised the region’s lush green coconut belt and even suggested that its prosperity had become a factor during the bifurcation debate. “Just as even a black stone breaks under a strong curse, Konaseema’s coconut trees too seem to have been hit by a similar glare,” he said, pointing to the withered plantations.

He later stirred a hornet’s nest stating that he was not the Chief Minister to give boons or funds, emphasising that financial decisions rested solely with Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. He was speaking to distressed farmers in Kesanapalli after inspecting large tracts of crop damaged by seawater ingress during his visit to the cyclone-hit coconut plantations of Konaseema.

“I am only the Deputy Chief Minister. For funds, you must ask the Chief Minister,” he stated in a candid tone, adding that even the CM was grappling with the consequences of misrule of the previous YSRCP government. He criticised the former regime for failing to desilt canals over the last five years, alleging that public money was splurged on schemes and thrown around without any responsibility.

The Deputy CM said nearly ₹4,000 crore would be required to restore canals across the erstwhile East Godavari district and warned that the damage today was the result of years of administrative apathy.

Dismissing claims that he had come for symbolic gestures, Pawan Kalyan asserted, “I have not come here for a joy trip or to distribute ₹20 crore and leave after applause. I came to solve your problem.” He appealed to farmers to give him 45 days to prepare a detailed action plan for long-term restoration. In a sharp message to his cadre, he remarked that some Jana Sena workers were acting like militants, urging them to channel their aggression into constructive political work instead of confrontation.

Earlier, the Deputy Chief Minister inspected damaged plantations across 13 villages, interacting with farmers and reviewing conditions with officials from irrigation, horticulture and the district administration. He sought detailed reports on the extent of salinity intrusion, the status of the decades-old Shankaraguptham drain, encroachments, silt accumulation and the viability of reviving affected trees. He also held discussions with agricultural scientists on restoration measures.

Pawan Kalyan announced that a dedicated committee would be formed to study all aspects of the farmers’ grievances, including damage assessment and long-term restoration. Authorities were directed to study Rosayya’s report and submit a comprehensive plan within two weeks. A review meeting with officials and farmers will be held in the second week of December, followed by a cabinet presentation.

The Deputy Chief Minister also said the issue would be escalated to the Centre, including the demand for establishing a Coconut Board in Konaseema. “With one lakh acres under coconut cultivation, the region needs national-level support,” he said.