Andhra Pradesh Congress Chief Questions State's Economic Growth Claims

Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee president Y.S. Sharmila has questioned the state government's assertion of achieving a 10.7% economic growth rate in the second quarter of the 2025-26 fiscal year. On Wednesday, August 12, 2026, Sharmila stated that the reported figures are being used to conceal governmental shortcomings and to mislead the public.

Sharmila specifically criticized Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu's statements about Andhra Pradesh surpassing the national economic growth average. She argued that these claims amount to self-congratulation while the state grapples with persistent issues in employment, agriculture, and law and order.

The APCC president highlighted ongoing challenges, including high unemployment rates and farmers struggling to secure fair prices and adequate government support for their agricultural products. Sharmila also raised concerns regarding the Polavaram project, suggesting that a proposed reduction in the dam's height to 41.5 meters could compromise its intended benefits and negatively impact farmers.

Further, she disputed the government's claims of reduced power tariffs, alleging that consumers are still being charged at older rates. Regarding investments, Sharmila requested specific details on projects reportedly attracting trillions of rupees over the past two years, including their operational status and the infrastructure provided to them.