YSRCP Accuses TDP of Selling Prime Land Cheaply in Vizag

The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) has launched a strong critique of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) government, alleging the sale of prime land in Visakhapatnam at significantly reduced prices to corporate entities. During a press conference on December 12, 2023, YSRCP leader Gudivada Amarnath accused Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu of continuing policies that benefit large corporations, reiterating claims made by former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy regarding the port city’s development.

In a demonstration of this alleged favoritism, Naidu recently laid the foundation stone for a Cognizant IT campus along with eight other companies, marking an investment of approximately ₹3,700 crore in the region. Amarnath remarked, “The NDA coalition government is giving away prime land at throwaway prices in the port city,” emphasizing that Naidu’s actions mimic Reddy’s previous assertions about the focus on Vizag.

According to Amarnath, the establishment of other major firms, such as Infosys and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), in Visakhapatnam can be attributed to Reddy’s initiatives. He contended that the previous YSRCP government did not engage in selling prime land to real estate companies at low costs or promote residential projects disproportionately. “While the Lulu Group invested heavily in Gujarat, it acquired land in Andhra Pradesh for a nominal fee,” he stated.

The YSRCP leader raised questions about the effectiveness of the current administration in creating job opportunities since the NDA coalition took power. He also expressed concern over public funds allegedly used to promote IT Minister Nara Lokesh. “How many jobs have been created since this government took over?” he questioned.

Amarnath highlighted the political shift surrounding the idea of making Visakhapatnam the executive capital, a proposal previously touted by Reddy. He claimed a negative campaign was waged against this idea, yet current media narratives appear to support the city’s elevation, suggesting a shift in public perception that validates Reddy’s perspective.

In closing, Amarnath accused Naidu of taking undue credit for the region’s developments while ignoring the contributions of junior partners in the NDA coalition. Despite the gravity of these allegations, there has been no immediate response from the TDP regarding the claims made by the YSRCP.

The unfolding situation in Visakhapatnam reflects ongoing tensions in Andhra Pradesh’s political landscape, where land use and corporate interests intersect with local governance and economic development strategies. As these discussions evolve, the implications for the region’s future remain to be seen.