Energy minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar on Wednesday announced that more than 70,000 agricultural electricity connections have been issued across Andhra Pradesh, as part of the government’s drive to strengthen rural infrastructure.Speaking during his visit to Addanki constituency, the Minister laid the foundation stone for two new substations to be built at a cost of Rs. 11 crore. He said the new facilities would ensure uninterrupted and high-quality electricity supply for both agricultural and domestic needs.He also reported that 1,700 outdated electricity poles in the Addanki region have already been replaced, and 500 more are due for installation soon.Gottipati criticised the previous government led by Jagan Mohan Reddy, accusing it of neglecting reforms in the power sector. “The coalition government is rebuilding a power system damaged by reckless decisions of the past regime,” he said.He also accused the former Chief Minister of sabotaging the Amaravati capital project and called Jagan’s three-capitals plan a deliberate attempt to derail development.The Minister emphasised the importance of continuing beneficial welfare schemes, such as the ` 2/kg rice initiative launched by former Chief Minister N.T. Rama Rao, irrespective of political transitions.He further alleged that the Polavaram project was mishandled by the previous government, calling the reverse tendering process a setback to the state’s lifeline.Gottipati also laid the foundation for a permanent fire station at Shingarakonda in Addanki, replacing a makeshift facility previously operated from the agricultural market yard. Construction has begun following land allocation and necessary approvals.He urged residents of Addanki to attend the Amaravati Reconstruction Meeting on 2 May in large numbers, promising transportation and food arrangements. In view of the summer heat, he directed local leaders to ensure availability of drinking water and buttermilk packets for all participants.
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