Double Engine, Double Trouble? AP's Floods Expose the Reality of the Modi Guarantee
During the 2024 Andhra Pradesh elections, BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, promised substantial benefits for the state if a "double engine" government was formed - with the BJP at the Center and TDP at the state level. This promise was heavily touted, with Modi himself emphasizing the positive impact of this synchronized governance.
However, recent devastating floods in Andhra Pradesh, including the submersion of 65 villages in Kakinada and the inundation of Vijayawada, have brought this promise into question. While the state government has managed to provide basic relief, the magnitude of the devastation requires substantial financial support from the Center.
Despite sending a report detailing a loss of 6880 crore rupees, Andhra Pradesh is yet to receive any financial assistance from the Modi government. This contrasts sharply with the immediate aid of 100 crores that was granted to Kerala's Wayanad district, which was also affected by floods. The contrast is even more stark considering that Wayanad does not have a "double engine" government.
This lack of support raises critical questions about the efficacy of the "double engine" promise. If the Center cannot provide assistance during a critical crisis, how will it support the state's development and welfare initiatives?
The initial months of the "double engine" government have not delivered on the lofty promises made during the election campaign. This begs the question: if the situation is this bleak at the beginning, what can the people of Andhra Pradesh expect in the future? The current crisis highlights the need for a more proactive and supportive stance from the Central government, especially for a state with a "double engine" government.
The promise of a prosperous future for Andhra Pradesh under a "double engine" government appears to be more of a political slogan than a practical reality.