Emotions run high in Andhra Pradesh Cabinet over Annamayya district headquarters issue

Emotional undercurrents marked the Andhra Pradesh Cabinet meeting on Monday as the controversial issue of Annamayya district headquarters, particularly Rayachoti, triggered an intense debate within the ruling administration.

Transport Minister Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy reportedly broke down during discussions on the proposed relocation of Annamayya district headquarters from Rayachoti, underlining the deep political and emotional stakes involved in the proposed administrative restructuring.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu immediately intervened to console the Minister and explained the technical and administrative challenges involved in keeping Rayachoti as the district headquarters. He explained in detail the rationale behind the proposed change and assured Mr. Ramprasad Reddy that the government would address all concerns regarding the future development of the town.

The Prime Minister said that the reorganization of the region was driven by long-term administrative efficiency, public convenience and the need to ensure balance and viability in the formation of the region. Referring to the strong demands put forward by the minister, he questioned whether it would be administratively possible to upgrade a single Assembly constituency as a full-fledged district.

Seeking to reassure stakeholders, Mr. Naidu categorically stated that Rayachoti Assembly constituency will be developed as a major growth hub at the district level. He said he will personally oversee efforts to accelerate infrastructure, administrative facilities and overall development in the region.

Later, Mr. Ramprasad Reddy reaffirmed his commitment to the constituency by describing the party and the people of Rayachoti as his “two eyes”. He said Railway Kodur opted for Tirupati and Rajampet headed for Kadapa, while Rayachoti was left alone.

He explained that no change was mentioned in the district center in the newspaper notification published on November 27, and that no official proposal had emerged in the past month. However, the Prime Minister had recently conveyed the decision to change the headquarters and assured that Rayachoti’s development would remain a priority.

Briefing the media about the Cabinet decisions, Revenue Minister Anagani Satya Prasad dismissed speculations about hasty decisions or possible resignations and said Mr. Ramprasad Reddy continues to focus on the development of the region.