Andhra Pradesh Municipal Administration and Urban Development Minister P Narayana, who considers himself the key authority overseeing the construction of the Amaravati capital city, is reportedly facing stiff resistance from IAS officers heading the Andhra Pra
desh Capital Region Development Authority.
Earlier, Narayana reportedly had differences with senior IAS officer K Kanna Babu, who was taking swift decisions on capital construction works in his capacity as APCRDA commissioner.
Kanna Babu is said to have rejected several proposals allegedly backed by Narayana, including those favouring certain contractors and allowing escalation of project costs.
Narayana somehow managed to get Kanna Babu transferred from the APCRDA to the Civil Supplies Department.
The Chandrababu Naidu government then appointed 2012-batch IAS officer V Vijaya Rama Raju as the new APCRDA commissioner.
However, Raju, too, has reportedly proved to be a tough nut to crack for Narayana.
According to sources, the commissioner’s style of functioning has not gone down well with the minister, as the IAS officer is operating with considerable autonomy and exercising firm control over affairs within the APCRDA.
Sources said there has recently been little communication or coordination between the commissioner and the minister. Earlier, Narayana would directly summon APCRDA officials and issue instructions to them.
“But Raju has now clearly instructed APCRDA officials to route all communication with the minister through the commissioner’s office. No official in the authority should meet the minister directly without his knowledge,” sources said.
Narayana has reportedly complained to Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu that Raju is not giving due importance to the political leadership. He is also said to have asked Naidu to intervene in the matter.
“However, the Chief Minister has complete confidence in the IAS officers. Perhaps he appointed Raju as APCRDA commissioner specifically to keep Narayana in check,” a TDP source said.