Who Paid For Lagadapati Rajagopal’s Election Surveys?

Vijayawada: Former Vijayawada MP Lagadapati Rajagopal who came out with his version of poll predictions and surveys, hinted at Telugu Desam Party (TDP) getting a clear majority in Andhra Pradesh. According to Rajagopal's exit polls, the TDP will win 90-110 seats while the YSRCP will bag 65-69 seats. It was reported that Lagadapati has spent more that Rs 124.08 Crore for these surveys and poll predictions made so far, which was said to be funded by N Chandrababu Naidu from the state coffers. Political analysts say that this was also a pre-planned exercise by Chandrababu Naidu to have these fake surveys conducted by Lagadapati Rajagopal during the last elections in 2014 as well.

As per details, Chandrababu had given permission for the Chithravathi Balancing Reservoir (CBR), Yogi Vemana Reservoir (YVR) and the second phase of the Hundri-Neeva Lift Irrigation projects without taking Hydrological clearances.

Based on an estimated amount of Rs 1,182.33 crore, tenders were called for and the project was given to a company named Power Max-Shue (Joint venture) for Rs 1240.85 crore. The company, which is allegedly a benami of Lagadapati, had no experience in building reservoirs or lift irrigation projects but they were given the project without submitting an experience certificate along with the schedule documents. The Commissioner of Tenders (COT) was planning to cancel the tender but with pressure from the Chief Minister, the company was given time until March 7. But even on March 7 they were unable to produce any certificate, and were still granted the project by the COT at the behest of Chief Minister.

Also Read: Lok Sabha Elections Exit Polls 2019: Who’s Predicting What?

An agreement was also made to that effect and even with the Model code of conduct in place. An estimated 10% of the amount which was around Rs 124.08 crore, was released as Mobilisation Advance to Lagadapati's firm. It is alleged that with this money Lagadapati conducted flash surveys in East Godavari, Nellore and Prakasam districts in more than 38 constituencies and applied the results to 175 constituencies. These results were published and disseminated by Lagadapati on Sunday. Political analysts feel that the timing of his survey and his exit poll figures were deliberately timed at the time of the second repolling which happened in Chandragiri. They say that this move was to mislead the voters mind even though it was a violation of poll code. Analysts say that this was also to boost the waning morale's of the party workers.

Observers feel that that Lagadapati is encouraging people to put money in these betting rackets through these 'unscientific predictions and surveys' and make money in the process.

Also Read: Lagadapati Rajagopal’s Surveys Only To Encourage Betting?

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