Polavaram, the lifeline irrigation project for AP, is proving to be a very critical issue for CM-elect Jaganmohan Reddy. The project cost has gone up manifolds because of delay in works. It’s a national project for which the Centre should bear 100 per cent expenditure. But the Centre is not giving full funds.

Interestingly, AP government is constructing the project and getting funds towards the works completed. Polavaram land acquisition costs have gone up to Rs 55,000 cr for which the Centre is not agreeing to release funds. Seeing all these difficulties, Jagan says that the AP government has no full responsibility on Polavaram. If the Central Government takes it up, the project should be completed in time bound manner, he says.