YSRCP Challenges Andhra Pradesh Land Policy in PIL: Demanding Transparency and Accountability

Former Andhra Pradesh Minister Gudivada Amarnath announced on Thursday that the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) has filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the state government’s land policy. The party alleges that extensive public land is being allocated to a limited number of real estate companies at significantly low prices.

Addressing the media in Vishakapatnam, Amarnath expressed concern over the decision to assign land primarily to private real estate firms, especially those based outside Andhra Pradesh. “The YSR Congress Party has filed a Public Interest Litigation challenging the Andhra Pradesh government’s land policy. We strongly question the government’s decision to allot large extents of land to a few real estate companies at very low prices,” he stated.

He criticised the justification for transferring valuable public land to private real estate developers, emphasising that such actions should benefit the wider public and the state’s economy. “It is unclear why the government is giving valuable land in Andhra Pradesh to real estate companies from other states. Public land should be used for projects that genuinely benefit the people and the state’s economy,” said Amarnath.

He further argued that the real estate sector does not create substantial employment opportunities and questioned the rationale behind offering land at concessional rates. “Real estate companies do not significantly create employment opportunities. Then what is the justification for allocating such lands to them at concessional rates?” he asked.

Through the PIL, the YSRCP is seeking transparency and accountability from the Andhra Pradesh government regarding these policy decisions. “Through this PIL, we are demanding transparency and accountability from the state government. The government must explain why public assets are being handed over to select private companies at such low prices,” Amarnath added.

Separately, on Wednesday, YSRCP Chief Jagan Mohan Reddy criticised the budget presented by the Chandrababu Naidu-led government, describing it as containing misleading figures and false narratives. Jagan highlighted the continuous increase in the state’s debt since Chandrababu Naidu assumed power. “During our five-year government, the total borrowing was about Rs 3.31 lakh crore. But in just two years of Chandrababu’s rule, the debt has already crossed Rs 3.20 lakh crore,” he stated.

He accused Chandrababu Naidu’s administration of declining revenues and rising debts due to corruption and resource misuse. “The reason is clear – rampant corruption and large-scale misuse of resources. Government lands are being handed over to private real estate companies at throwaway prices. Lands worth thousands of crores in Visakhapatnam are being allotted to relatives and associates,” Jagan said.

Jagan Mohan Reddy also criticised the TDP government for failing to maintain a minimum balance in the state treasury. The YSRCP’s PIL and Jagan’s criticism highlight the party’s commitment to ensuring that public assets are used for the benefit of the state and its people, rather than being misappropriated by a select few.