YSR Congress Party president and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has reiterated that his government corrected decades of injustice to Rayalaseema by adopting a welfare-centric approach to irrigation and water governance. He said the region’s chronic water scarcity was addressed not merely as an infrastructure issue, but as a matter of farmer welfare, livelihood security, and social justice.
YS Jagan Mohan Reddy stated that Rayalaseema had historically been neglected in water allocation, resulting in repeated crop failures, farmer distress, and rural migration. His government, he said, treated irrigation as a foundational welfare priority, essential for stabilising the agrarian economy of the drought-prone region.
Irrigation as a Core Welfare Intervention
The former Chief Minister explained that expanding canal capacity and improving irrigation infrastructure were deliberate policy choices aimed at ensuring assured water supply to farmers. These measures enabled farmers to cultivate crops with confidence, reduce dependency on borewells, and avoid debt cycles triggered by uncertain rainfall.
He noted that welfare governance goes beyond direct cash transfers and includes creating durable assets that provide long-term economic security. “Water security is farmer security,” he said, adding that irrigation reforms were designed to support small and marginal farmers who form the backbone of Rayalaseema’s rural economy.
Strengthening Rural Livelihoods and Farmer Incomes
YS Jagan Mohan Reddy emphasized that improved irrigation directly contributed to increased cropping intensity, better yields, and higher farm incomes. With assured water availability, farmers were able to diversify crops and invest in agriculture-related activities, strengthening the rural economy.
He said these efforts complemented other welfare initiatives introduced during his tenure, creating a comprehensive support system for farmers and agricultural workers. According to him, irrigation reforms were a key pillar of the broader welfare governance model implemented by the YSRCP government.
Allegations of Welfare Rollback Under Current Government
Criticising the Chandrababu Naidu-led government, YS Jagan Mohan Reddy alleged that Rayalaseema is once again being pushed into neglect, with irrigation and welfare priorities being sidelined for political considerations. He warned that undermining irrigation projects would directly impact farmer welfare and rural stability.
“Neglecting water projects is not just administrative failure, it is a direct blow to farmer welfare,” he said, adding that Rayalaseema’s interests should not be compromised under any circumstances, regardless of political alignments.
Water as a Social and Economic Right
The YSRCP chief stressed that access to water is a fundamental social and economic right, particularly for drought-prone regions like Rayalaseema. He said his government treated water distribution as a moral obligation, rooted in the principles of inclusive and equitable development.
He cautioned that using water as a political tool undermines democratic governance and deepens regional disparities. According to him, sustainable welfare governance must ensure fairness in resource allocation.
Call for Restoration of Welfare-Focused Governance
YS Jagan Mohan Reddy called upon the present administration to restore focus on Rayalaseema’s irrigation and welfare needs. He demanded accountability for decisions affecting farmer livelihoods and urged a course correction to prevent long-term damage to the region.
He concluded by stating that the YSRCP would continue to advocate for Rayalaseema’s rightful share of water and welfare, reaffirming its commitment to farmer-centric and people-oriented governance.
