Amaravati Land Pooling Controversy: Farmers Accuse Government of Betrayal

Accusations against the Andhra Pradesh government mount over the second phase of land pooling for Amaravati. YSRCP leader Ambati Rambabu alleges deceit by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, claiming promised plots remain undelivered while contractors benefit. Opposition voices demand transparency and raise concerns about excessive spending and misallocation of resources.

A political storm is brewing in Andhra Pradesh as the second phase of land pooling for Amaravati draws ire from local farmers and political leaders. YSRCP leader Ambati Rambabu on Saturday sharply criticized Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, accusing him of misleading farmers in pursuit of a world-class capital city.

The cabinet recently approved pooling an additional 16,666 acres from seven villages, adding to an already extensive 54,000-acre land bank. Rambabu alleged farmers have yet to receive the returnable plots pledged a decade ago. The leader questioned the government's inability to show plot locations while disparaging ministers for dishonoring farmers' land rights.

AP Congress Committee president Y S Sharmila echoed these concerns, denouncing the large-scale land acquisition and demanding accountability from the TDP-led administration. Highlighting inconsistencies, she called for transparency on various development projects and criticized the proposed 5,000-acre airport as excessive compared to other major airports. No response was forthcoming from the TDP.

(With inputs from agencies.)