YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) president YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has launched a fierce attack on the Andhra Pradesh state government's decision to initiate a second phase of the Land Pooling Scheme (LPS) for the development of the capital city. Speaking to the media in Vijayawada on Thursday, the Leader of the Opposition expressed strong objections, accusing the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) government of failing to develop land already acquired and making hollow promises to farmers.
Unfulfilled Promises and a Massive Financial Burden
Jagan Mohan Reddy questioned the very rationale behind the move to pool an additional 50,000 acres of land. He pointed out that the previous TDP government, led by N. Chandrababu Naidu, had already taken 50,000 acres from farmers in the first phase for the capital city of Amaravati. According to the master plan prepared by that government, developing basic infrastructure like roads, drainage, drinking water, and electricity requires at least ₹2 crore per acre.
"This amounts to a staggering ₹1 lakh crore for the development of the initial 50,000 acres," Jagan stated. He demanded to know where this enormous sum would come from, highlighting that not a single promise made to the farmers who gave up their land had been honoured. The YSRCP chief argued that pushing for a second phase to acquire another 50,000 acres, which would need another ₹1 lakh crore, was irrational without addressing the existing backlog.
Farmers' Plight and Allegations of Ulterior Motives
Reddy vividly described the suffering of farmers who had already parted with their land. He said many now deeply regret their decision due to the absence of justice and visible development. "Farmers who sacrificed their lands are suffering. No compensation or benefits promised materialised," he emphasized.
The opposition leader did not mince words in accusing former Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu of having ulterior motives behind the extensive land pooling. Jagan alleged that the scheme was designed for personal enrichment rather than public development. "For basic infrastructure in the existing 1 lakh acres (combining both phases), ₹2 lakh crore is required. Where is this money coming from? Naidu is merely pooling land to benefit himself and his benamis (proxies)," Jagan alleged.
A Warning Against "Madness" and Lack of Transparency
Jagan Mohan Reddy termed the second phase of the Land Pooling Scheme as "madness." He warned that it would further burden farmers without delivering any tangible progress for the state. The YSRCP president criticized the TDP government's approach for its complete lack of transparency regarding the source of the massive funds required and a clear timeline for the capital's full development.
His critique underscores a major political confrontation over the future of Andhra Pradesh's capital and raises serious questions about the financial viability and execution strategy of one of the state's most ambitious projects.
