Naidu Alleges Massive Land Scams by YSRCP

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu made startling claims on Monday, 15 July, regarding the extent of land encroachment allegedly committed by the previous YSRCP government. Speaking at the state secretariat in Velagapudi near Vijayawada, Naidu released a white paper revealing that land scams involving 1.75 lakh acres, valued at ₹35,576 crore, had taken place. Additionally, he estimated the loss from looting sand and mineral wealth to be ₹19,000 crore.

Naidu accused the YSRCP of widespread land usurpation across all districts under government patronage. “We will introduce legislation to arrest those involved in land grabbing, similar to the laws in Gujarat, to prevent any further encroachment,” he asserted.

In his white paper, Naidu detailed the fraudulent exploitation of natural resources and land encroachments over the past five years, describing the actions of YSRCP leaders as extreme. He emphasized that his administration is committed to holding those accountable under the law.

The chief minister also linked the lack of strict surveillance to an increase in heinous crimes, such as the molestation of a toddler in Vijayanagara district and the gang rape of a girl in Nandyal. He vowed to deal with such criminals harshly.

Naidu accused the YSRCP of using the construction of party offices in 23 districts as a cover for land irregularities. He claimed that the Land Titling Act, now abrogated, was a ploy by the YSRCP to seize land across the state, which was resisted by the public.

He further alleged that sand had become a lucrative source of income for YSRCP leaders, who used coercive methods to obtain mining and quarry leases. They reportedly employed private agencies and heavy machinery for sand quarrying, violating regulations. Naidu highlighted that these activities were rampant in Guntur, Krishna, East, and West Godavari districts, where sand is abundant in river beds.

Naidu urged victims of YSRCP’s alleged exploitation to come forward and file complaints, assuring them that the government is determined to stop environmentally damaging practices. He also mentioned the indiscriminate felling of red sanders in forests, facilitated by a reduction in monitoring staff.

He cited the excavation of Rishi Konda hills for constructing palatial buildings worth up to ₹500 crore as another glaring example of resource exploitation. Naidu condemned the destruction of “erra matti dibbalu,” a Visakhapatnam attraction, and vowed that the culprits, whom he dubbed “anacondas,” would face justice.

Additionally, Naidu pointed out illegal land use changes, including converting land meant for Rama Naidu studio construction to housing in Visakhapatnam. He noted significant land scams in Ongole (₹101 crore), Tirupati (₹270 crore), and another in Tirupati (₹99 crore).

With these revelations, Naidu has promised a rigorous crackdown on all irregularities and crimes committed under the previous government, aiming to restore law and order in the state.