Leaders of the YSR Congress Party in Annamayya district, Andhra Pradesh, outlined plans Sunday for a district-wide agitation starting March 1. The protests target resumption of the Rayalaseema Lift Irrigation Project, which they say provides essential drinking and irrigation water to the arid Rayalaseema region.

District YSRCP president and Rajampeta MLA Akepati Amarnath Reddy led the announcement during a media briefing. He charged Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu with deliberately stalling the project, according to party officials. Reddy highlighted the coalition government’s neglect of Rayalaseema’s water needs.

The project sits at about 80 percent completion, Reddy said. Work halted after contractors spent roughly ₹990 crore. He credited previous YSR-led administrations—from Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy to Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy—with championing water security for the region.

YSRCP spokespeople pointed to neighboring states drawing Krishna River water unchecked. Andhra Pradesh stays quiet on the issue, they claimed. Party leaders warned that prolonged delays threaten Rayalaseema’s water supply long-term.

The agitation begins with an action plan reveal on March 1. Protests will ramp up from district headquarters to villages if officials do not act, according to Reddy. YSRCP cadres plan rallies, dharnas and public meetings across Annamayya to press their case.

Rayalaseema has battled chronic water shortages for decades. The lift irrigation scheme aims to pump Krishna waters over the Eastern Ghats into local reservoirs. Completion would irrigate thousands of acres and supply drinking water to millions, project backers say.

Naidu’s Telugu Desam Party-led coalition took power last June, promising development across Andhra Pradesh. Critics like the YSRCP argue the new government prioritizes other regions. They cite paused projects like RLI as evidence.

Reddy called on residents to join the movement. He urged Naidu to release funds and restart construction immediately. Without action, he predicted escalating unrest in drought-prone districts.

The announcement drew quick responses from local farmers. Many praised YSRCP’s prior efforts on water infrastructure. They expressed frustration over the current standstill, according to attendees at the briefing.

State irrigation officials have not commented on the allegations. The RLI project, approved years ago, faced funding hurdles under multiple governments. YSRCP insists the coalition reversed progress without justification.

As March 1 approaches, Annamayya YSRCP units prepare logistics. They expect strong turnout from party workers and affected communities. The agitation tests the coalition’s commitment to Rayalaseema, leaders said.