Amaravati: Jagan’s Aerial Audit: 222 Cr Tab Exposed
Fresh disclosures from Andhra Pradesh records paint a picture of substantial aviation outlays during YS Jaganmohan Reddy‘s five-year stint as chief minister. The Andhra Pradesh Aviation Corporation Limited shelled out Rs 222.85 crore on flights and helicopters between 2019 and 2024, even as the COVID lockdown gripped the nation.
These figures, pulled from official responses under the Right to Information Act, have ignited debates on public fund usage in state travel.
Annual Expenditure Snapshot
The spending ramped up steadily across fiscal years, showing little dip during pandemic restrictions.
- 2019-20: Rs 31.43 crore
- 2020-21: Rs 44 crore
- 2021-22: Rs 49.45 crore
- 2022-23: Rs 47.18 crore
- 2023-24: Rs 50.81 crore
This consistent pattern underscores the scale of official air mobility needs during the term.
Breaking Down the Bill
Allocations split across key areas reveal priorities in aerial operations.
Aircraft charters accounted for Rs 112.50 crore, while helicopter services racked up Rs 87.02 crore, largely paid to GMR Aviation Private Limited. Maintenance and ancillary costs added another Rs 23.31 crore to the tally.
Such breakdowns highlight the reliance on private providers for executive transport.
Ruling Party’s Pointed Critique
The Telugu Desam Party, now in power, has seized on these numbers to underscore contrasts in governance frugality. A recent social media post from TDP drew a direct line to Minister Nara Lokesh’s record.
In his 18 months as a cabinet member, Lokesh drew zero rupees from state coffers for helicopter or special flight trips, the party claimed. This stands in relief against the Rs 222 crore over Jagan’s 60 months at the helm.
Lokesh’s Self-Funded Journeys
Further RTI replies affirm Lokesh‘s approach to personal travel. He covered the full cost of 77 flight tickets for Hyderabad commutes out of pocket.
No burden fell on public resources, a detail that bolsters TDP’s narrative on accountable spending.
As audits continue, these revelations could shape ongoing discussions on fiscal prudence in Andhra’s corridors of power.