The detailed designs for the new structures coming up at Andhra's capital Amaravati, presented by British architectural firm Foster & Partners, do not seem to have satisfied the state unit of the BJP.
"The designs by Norman and Fosters that were approved by chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu earlier looked like those of power plants and now they look like the ones done for corporate offices and shopping malls. These buildings should be monumental. Places like Assembly where laws are made should be a monumental edifice instead of a corporate-style office. I wonder how a diamond-shaped structure has been approved for a government building. The designs do not reflect Telugu heritage," BJP's state development committee convener V Srinivasa Raju told reporters in Vijayawada on Tuesday.
"The state is yet to submit the Detailed Project Report (DRP) and Master Plan to the Centre, even though there was a lot of discussion among the public regarding the delay in constructing the capital," he added.
Dismissing criticism by TDP leaders, Raju said that the Centre was committed to sanction funds for the capital, and was only waiting for the state government to take the first step.
He also asked Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu to even consult local firms and come up with improved designs that would reflect Indian culture better.
"The alliance between the TDP and BJP still stands. It is just that if we disagree on issues, we will bring it to their notice. That's all. There is nothing wrong in it," he further clarified.
While the Andhra High Court at the greenfield capital Amaravathi will be shaped like a Buddhist stupa to signify happiness, the Assembly will resemble a diamond, inspired by the Kohinoor, according to plans finalised in a meeting with Naidu earlier this month.
“I am excited that we have reached the final stage. Not only in India, but people all over the world have high expectations of this city. No one has ever built a city of this scale from scratch," the Chief Minister said.
While the proposals had initially suggested a stupa-like structure for the Assembly and a diamond shape for the High Court, Naidu suggested that the two design choices be interchanged.
“The stupa signifies happiness, and justice is the greatest happiness I want my people to feel, reflected by the High Court. The Assembly building, at the centre of the city plan, should be inspired by the historic Kohinoor, which happens to be born in this very land,” said Naidu.