Nara Lokesh, Minister for Information Technology, Skill Development, and Entrepreneurship in Andhra Pradesh, has strongly criticized former Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy, alleging a significant misuse of public funds during his tenure. Lokesh's attack centers on the revelation that Jagan Mohan Reddy spent ₹222.85 crore on air travel between 2019 and 2024.
According to reports from the Andhra Pradesh Aviation Corporation Ltd (APACL), the expenses included ₹112.50 crore for fixed-wing aircraft and ₹87.02 crore for helicopters. The annual breakdown of these expenses is as follows: ₹31.43 crore in 2019–20, ₹44 crore in 2020–21, ₹49.45 crore in 2021–22, ₹47.18 crore in 2022–23, and ₹50.81 crore in 2023–24. Furthermore, ₹23.31 crore was spent on operational costs, including crew and handling.
Lokesh took to social media to express his criticism, stating that while the people of Andhra Pradesh struggled with unemployment and a lack of basic amenities, the then-Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy was allegedly squandering public money. He accused Jagan not only of spending lavishly on air travel but also of constructing a luxurious palace worth ₹500 crore. Lokesh sarcastically remarked that Andhra Pradesh needed a vision, but Jagan treated the state like a vacation.
The controversy arose amidst accusations from Jagan Mohan Reddy's YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) that Minister Nara Lokesh was misusing public funds by frequently flying to Hyderabad. The TDP responded by releasing figures detailing the air travel expenses during Jagan Mohan Reddy’s time as Chief Minister. In fact, RTI replies from all four departments under Lokesh's charge confirmed that he did not take even a single rupee from the government for travel or flight expenses. Every ticket, including special flights taken for urgent government duties, was paid entirely from Lokesh's personal funds.
YSRCP has not yet officially responded to the specific allegations made by Lokesh regarding the ₹222.85 crore expenditure on air travel. However, the party has previously accused the current government of making false claims and engaging in a political vendetta.
This is not the first time Jagan Mohan Reddy's spending habits have come under scrutiny. He has also faced criticism regarding the construction of a lavish palace, which is facing environmental violation charges. Lokesh has stated that Jagan believed he would remain in power for 30 years and could disregard green norms, wasting state funds. The current government intends to open the palace to the public to showcase the extravagant expenditure on imported furnishings and Italian marble.
