Reddy assures farmers help against land pooling for Andhra Pradesh capital
Vijayawada: YSR Congress President Y S Jaganmohan Reddy on Tuesday assured his full cooperation to farmers in their fight against the Andhra Pradesh government in land pooling processes for the new capital formation.
Reddy addressed two public meetings at Undavalli and Penumaka villages, which fall under the Vijayawada-Guntur capital region and also interacted with farmers.
Speaking at a rally in Undavalli village, the party chief said he opposed the land pooling system as implemented by the state government. And even the Land Acquisition Act amendment as envisaged by the Central government and the ordinances that were introduced in the Parliament recently.
Jagan asked Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu to change his policy in implementing the land pooling process in the interest of farmers.
The party will take up the issue at the national level to seek support of national parties, he said, adding that the government has no right to threaten farmers to relinquish their land.
"If the government threatens people, then it may not survive for long. If they (state government) continue to implement anti-people policies, definitely it would fall. And elections will be imminent," he said.
Jagan assured that if YSR Congress comes to power, land will be returned to farmers that was taken by the government with pressure and force.
The leader also interacted with farmers who put forth their issues. Some of the farmers alleged that officials are applying coercive methods for land acquisition and the government has even set up police posts in peaceful villages to threaten villagers.
Under the land pooling process, farmers have to submit a letter to the state government citing that they are voluntarily giving away their land for the new AP capital.
The government will return a part of the land as agreed with farmers. Farmers said the government has assured jobs to them but lamented that what other work can a farmer do other than tilling land.
