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ndhra Pradesh, once a promising investment hub, is now facing a significant slowdown in real estate growth due to fear, politics, and caste equations. The state's business landscape has long been dominated by two powerful communities: the Reddys and Kammas.
While not all members of these groups are wealthy, those holding power and influence often come from their affluent segments. During Jagan Mohan Reddy's rule, many Kamma investors reportedly held back due to fears of unfavorable treatment from the ruling party. This led to a slump in real estate, even as other parts of the country experienced growth.
Now, with the TDP government back in power, the tables have turned, and the Reddy community is stepping back. An NRI investor, Ramesh Chowdary, explains the dilemma: "Investing in Amaravati is unpredictable due to caste politics; Hyderabad is safer." Even those aligned with the TDP are hesitant, fearing long-term repercussions from future political shifts.
The flight of youth and business, combined with fears of political revenge, has choked AP's real estate sector. The global economic slowdown has only made matters worse, leaving confidence low, transactions rare, and development on pause. A businessman, Girish Reddy, sums up the sentiment: "I'm glad I didn't invest in Andhra during Jagan's rule; I'd have landed in trouble."
The current situation is discouraging to wealthy individuals from the dominant communities, who are crucial for the state's development. The key question now is: Who will rebuild investor confidence in AP? Until a stable and trustworthy climate is established, the real estate sector may continue to suffer.
