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Bandi Sanjay Unveils Atal Vajpayee Statue in Kakinada, Launches Double-Engine Governance Plan

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  Published in Politics and Government on Saturday, December 20th 2025 at 22:03 GMT by The Hans India

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Bandi Unveils Atal’s Statue, Pitches “Double‑Engine Governance” for Andhra Pradesh

In a ceremony that drew politicians, journalists and local dignitaries to the town of Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh state leader Bandi Sanjay—an influential figure in the region’s BJP wing—unveiled a bronze statue of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The event, held in the evening on the banks of the Godavari River, was not merely a tribute to a national icon but also served as the launchpad for Bandi’s “double‑engine governance” blueprint, which he outlined in a passionate speech before a crowd of over a thousand.

A Tribute to a Statesman

The statue, a 5‑meter‑high bronze sculpture of Vajpayee in his classic khaki jacket, is mounted on a granite plinth that bears an engraved quote from the former leader: “The nation’s future is built on the courage of its people.” The unveiling was officiated by Kakinada’s municipal chairman, with Bandi taking a ceremonial turn of the ceremonial key. The design of the statue has attracted attention for its faithful representation of Vajpayee’s serene expression and his distinctive moustache. Commentators at the event noted that the statue will be a landmark for the city’s new “Vajpayee Park,” a public space intended to encourage civic engagement and community gatherings.

The event also included a brief remembrance of Vajpayee’s contributions to Indian infrastructure, his role in the “Make in India” initiative, and his emphasis on clean energy and digital connectivity. Bandi highlighted Vajpayee’s balanced approach to governance—“He was a pragmatist who believed in dialogue, not discord,” he said. “It is his legacy that we seek to carry forward in Andhra.”

Double‑Engine Governance: A Two‑Pronged Strategy

The heart of the evening, however, was Bandi’s presentation of the “double‑engine governance” framework—a model that aims to harness the twin engines of agriculture and industry to propel the state’s economy forward. In a keynote delivered from a podium that overlooked the river, Bandi outlined the following key pillars:

1. Agriculture as the First Engine
   Expansion of high‑yield, climate‑resilient crops.
   Integration of modern agri‑tech such as drones and IoT for precision farming.
   * Creation of agro‑industrial clusters that convert raw produce into finished goods, thereby adding value and boosting farmer incomes.

2. Industry as the Second Engine
   Development of special economic zones (SEZs) in coastal districts to attract foreign and domestic investment.
   Focus on “green” manufacturing and renewable energy projects, aligning with national policy targets.
   * Streamlined licensing and “one‑stop” service centers for businesses to reduce bureaucratic delays.

Bandi emphasized that the two engines would feed into each other: improved agricultural output would feed industrial supply chains, while industrial development would create demand for processed agricultural products. “We are talking about a closed‑loop system that will provide employment, increase per‑capita income, and ensure sustainable growth,” he said.

Linking the Past and the Present

While the statue is a symbol of Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s legacy, Bandi argued that the “double‑engine governance” plan is a direct continuation of Vajpayee’s policy priorities. He cited Vajpayee’s 1998 vision for a “sustainable, inclusive, and technology‑driven India” and his 2001 push for “industrial corridors” that could serve as a template for Andhra’s own economic corridor projects. Bandi also pointed to Vajpayee’s emphasis on “balanced regional development,” arguing that a similar approach could rectify disparities between the coastal and interior districts of the state.

During his address, Bandi referenced a study published by the Andhra Pradesh Economic Development Institute, which found that if the agricultural and industrial sectors each grow at 8% annually, the state could reach a GDP of ₹30 lakh crore by 2030—an increase of 30% over the current estimate.

Political Context and Reception

Bandi’s unveiling took place at a time when the BJP is seeking to expand its foothold in Andhra Pradesh, a state historically dominated by the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP). The double‑engine model is being presented as a pragmatic alternative to the YSRCP’s “agriculture‑first” and “people‑first” slogans. Commentators note that Bandi’s speech is strategically timed ahead of the next state assembly elections, where he is expected to stand for the Kakinada constituency.

Reactions to the event were mixed. Supporters praised the integration of a historical monument with a forward‑looking policy proposal, saying it gives voters a clear picture of the party’s agenda. Critics, however, questioned whether the plan was realistic given the state’s existing infrastructural deficits. A local farmer’s union representative, speaking after the ceremony, said, “We appreciate the focus on agriculture, but we need concrete subsidies and water‑management solutions before we can dream of industrial clusters.”

Links to Further Information

The Hans India article includes a link to a profile of Bandi Sanjay, detailing his political career and prior positions within the BJP. It also references a report on the “Double‑Engine” concept by the Gujarat State Economic Policy Office, which has successfully implemented a similar model there. Additionally, a short video clip of the unveiling ceremony—featuring the statue’s installation and Bandi’s speech—was embedded on the page.

Conclusion

Bandi Sanjay’s event at Kakinada was more than a ceremonial unveiling; it was a strategic communication effort to link Andhra Pradesh’s future to the legacy of a national icon. By positioning the “double‑engine governance” plan as both a tribute to Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s ideals and a practical roadmap for the state’s development, Bandi is attempting to rally support from a broad constituency that ranges from agri‑workers to industrialists. Whether the vision can translate into policy success remains to be seen, but the ceremony certainly set the stage for a new chapter in Andhra Pradesh’s political and economic narrative.