Tekkali Hospital Water Crisis Triggers Political Storm

Ravi Podili

A severe drinking water shortage at the government hospital in Tekkali has triggered a political controversy involving Andhra Pradesh Agriculture Minister Kinjarapu Atchannaidu and leaders of the YSR Congress Party.

Patients and attendants at the area hospital have reportedly been forced to bring water in buckets due to the ongoing crisis. Poor sanitation and foul smell from bathrooms have added to the difficulties, especially in children’s wards. Locals alleged that the problem has continued for several weeks without a proper response from authorities.

After the issue came to light, YSRCP Tekkali constituency in-charge Perada Tilak visited the hospital and criticized the government over the situation. He accused Minister Atchannaidu of neglecting public health infrastructure despite repeatedly speaking about development in the constituency. Tilak also arranged water tankers using his own funds to provide temporary relief to patients.

The incident has now become a political flashpoint in Srikakulam district, with opposition leaders questioning how a government hospital in a minister’s own constituency could face such basic infrastructure problems. Critics say the issue has embarrassed the ruling coalition and highlighted administrative negligence.