*Stop forced land acquisition in Undavalli*

Tadepalli, July 12: YSRCP Legal Cell President Manohar Reddy strongly condemned the Andhra Pradesh government's action in Undavalli, saying what happened was not a normal land acquisition process but an attack on the livelihood of small and marginal farmers. He said the government used a large police force and bulldozers to destroy standing crops and forcibly take possession of farmers' lands.

Speaking to media at the Party central office, Manohar Reddy said the farmers of Undavalli, Penumaka and Nidamarru had been saying since 2014 that their lands are fertile, three-crop fields and should not be acquired. Despite their legal objections, the government ignored their concerns and hurriedly proceeded with road works. Banana plantations and other standing crops were destroyed while farmers watched in distress.

He questioned why the government acted with such urgency when a writ petition on the land acquisition is still pending before the High Court. He alleged that the government deliberately chose the weekend to take possession of the land so that farmers would not get immediate legal relief. He asked whether this amounted to contempt of court and demanded to know why bulldozers were sent even before filing a counter in the High Court.

Manohar Reddy said the government failed to provide award copies, explain compensation details or even collect farmers' bank details before preparing compensation cheques. He alleged that while nearby land was reportedly purchased for around Rs 8 crore per acre by TDP leaders and their associates, farmers are being offered only about Rs 2.60 crore per acre.

He demanded that all forced land acquisition in Undavalli be stopped until the High Court delivers its final verdict. He also sought action against officials responsible for destroying crops and asked the government to disclose land purchases made by TDP leaders in the Undavalli and Penumaka areas, alleging that the acquired land may later be handed over to private commercial projects under the proposed riverfront development.