Amaravati, Jan 4 (NationPress) Following the successful landing of the first validation flight at Bhogapuram Greenfield International Airport on Sunday, a heated exchange erupted between the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) regarding the rightful credit for the project.

The ruling party, TDP, asserted its claim to the airport's development, while the opposition, YSRCP, labeled Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu as a ‘credit thief’.

Former Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy celebrated the milestone, stating that with the inaugural flight's arrival, Andhra Pradesh is poised for accelerated growth, a pivotal moment for Vision Vizag.

“Kudos to the GMR Group for their outstanding contributions. During our administration, we expedited permissions and land acquisitions, with an investment of nearly Rs 960 crore, which laid a robust groundwork for this achievement. Much of the project was completed under our watch, which was essential in reaching this milestone. I also remember the significant role of Nitin Gadkari Ji in approving the Bhogapuram Airport Bypass National Highway project in March 2023, linking Visakhapatnam Port to the Bhogapuram International Airport,” wrote the YSRCP leader.

Following this remark, both parties engaged in a vigorous exchange. YSRCP reminded that Chandrababu Naidu hastily laid the foundation stone for the airport without obtaining necessary permissions just before the 2019 elections, allegedly for electoral gain.

“Didn’t you rush to lay the foundation without permissions, Chandrababu? Did you handle the land acquisition for Bhogapuram Airport? Did you compensate those who lost their lands? Did you ensure rehabilitation? How can you take credit for something you did not accomplish?” YSRCP questioned.

They emphasized that after Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy took office in 2019, he resolved legal disputes concerning the airport. They pointed out that the YSRCP government compensated landowners between Rs 28 lakh and Rs 36 lakh per acre.

It was during Jagan's administration that the second phase of land acquisition was completed for the construction of the access road and the trumpet-shaped flyover leading directly from the Chennai-Kolkata National Highway to the airport. “Isn’t it true that all necessary permissions for the Bhogapuram International Airport were secured, and on May 3, 2023, Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy conducted the groundbreaking ceremony?” the YSRCP queried.

Nara Lokesh, son of Chandrababu Naidu and state minister, countered YSRCP by sharing video clips of Jagan Mohan Reddy making statements against the Bhogapuram airport.

Lokesh mocked that the YSRCP should be embarrassed to discuss the airport, saying the credit for hindering the project belongs to Jagan. “The statements made by your 'brainless' Jagan are well-known,” TDP stated in a post on X.

The TDP asserted that the Bhogapuram airport is the vision and brainchild of Chandrababu Naidu. They claimed that the public is aware of who is truly lacking in intellect and shameless.

The TDP dismissed the YSRCP's allegations as baseless.