Lands and resources looted under guise of development

Tadepalli, August 18: Former Minister Merugu Nagarjuna strongly condemned the large-scale land grabbing and corruption being carried out under Chandrababu Naidu-led government, warning that the state’s valuable resources are being handed over to private interests at the cost of public welfare.

He pointed out that thousands of acres of prime lands are being allotted to companies with no credibility, no address, and no proven track record. “For what purpose are lands being sold at a token price of 99 paise per acre?” he asked, questioning the government’s intent. He stated that these shady allotments are being made to shell companies and benamis of ruling party leaders, while deliberately excluding genuine bidders through global processes.

Nagarjuna further highlighted the dubious decision to selectively allot land to Switzerland-based companies. “There is a malicious agenda behind this move. What benefit will the people of Andhra Pradesh gain from giving away lands to these entities?” he demanded. He called this a direct attempt to loot valuable public assets under the garb of foreign investment.

Turning to the power sector, the former minister exposed what he described as a massive conspiracy and corruption in electricity purchases. “During our government, when power was bought at Rs. 2.49 per unit, the opposition created an uproar. Today, electricity is being purchased at Rs. 4.59 per unit, but there is complete silence. Why is no one questioning this daylight robbery?” he asked.

Nagarjuna also demanded immediate action against TDP MLA Kuna Ravikumar for harassing a woman professor. “Law cannot be different for the powerful. The MLA must be arrested without delay,” he asserted.

Emphasizing that these corrupt practices are not isolated incidents but part of a larger pattern of exploitation, Nagarjuna appealed to the people of Andhra Pradesh to remain vigilant. “The government is mortgaging the future of our children by selling away land, looting resources, and burdening citizens with costly electricity. This is not development, it is betrayal,” he declared.