Bhogapuram, Andhra Pradesh —YS Jagan accused Chandrababu Naidu of taking credit for the airport project as both parties intensified their political claims.
Bhogapuram Airport Credit Row Intensifies
A fresh political battle has erupted in Andhra Pradesh over credit for Bhogapuram International Airport near Visakhapatnam, days before its scheduled inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 1. Former chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has accused Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu of presenting the airport as an NDA achievement while overlooking work completed during the previous YSRCP administration.
In a social media post, Jagan described Naidu’s approach as “credit without contribution” and said his government completed crucial groundwork that moved the airport into construction. He also shared a 2023 video from the project event to support his claim that the YSRCP administration played the decisive role in its execution.
Bhogapuram Airport Timeline Fuels Rival Claims
The project’s history spans multiple governments. The Centre granted in-principle approval for the greenfield airport in October 2016, while Naidu laid a foundation stone on February 14, 2019, during his earlier tenure as chief minister. The YSRCP government later signed a concession agreement with GMR in June 2020 for the airport’s development and operations.
Jagan laid another foundation stone on May 3, 2023, when the first phase was formally set in motion. The airport was planned with a 3,800-metre runway, cargo facilities and an initial annual capacity of six million passengers. Major civil construction then progressed under GMR and its contractors.
Bhogapuram Airport Claims Dominate Political Debate
Jagan has maintained that his administration handled land acquisition, rehabilitation, clearances and supporting infrastructure required to advance the project. He also claimed that his government pursued highway and connectivity works linked to the airport. The YSRCP is using these developments to argue that the current government is receiving publicity for progress made before the 2024 change of power.
The TDP points to the airport’s conception, early approvals and first foundation ceremony during Naidu’s previous government. Since returning to power in June 2024, the NDA administration has reviewed construction, road connectivity and preparations for the airport’s opening. The competing claims have turned the major infrastructure project into another political flashpoint between the two parties.
Bhogapuram Airport Opening Puts Region In Focus
The airport, officially named Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport, is expected to strengthen connectivity for Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram and Srikakulam while supporting tourism, cargo movement, investment and employment across North Andhra. The first phase has been designed to handle six million passengers annually, with provisions for future expansion.
The documented timeline shows that the project moved through planning, approvals, contracting, construction and completion under different administrations. While the YSRCP and TDP continue competing for political credit, the August 1 inauguration will mark a major infrastructure milestone for North Andhra and its passengers.
