Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has strongly criticized the previous YSRC regime, accusing them of exploiting natural resources, misappropriating lands, and causing significant damage to forests over the past five years. According to Naidu, irregularities related to lands alone have amounted to an estimated Rs 35,576 crore so far, though he suspects the actual figure could be much higher.
Addressing these concerns, Naidu released a white paper titled 'Misappropriation of Natural Resources - Land, Mines, and Minerals and Forests' at the State secretariat. He announced plans to introduce a new AP Land Grabbing Act, similar to the Gujarat Land Grabbing Act of 2020. Under this proposed law, land-grabbers will be required to prove their ownership, with stringent actions promised against those engaging in illegal activities such as exploiting natural resources and unlawfully acquiring government properties.
Naidu urged citizens to report instances of land grabbing and litigation, promising investigations and justice under the TDP-led NDA government. To facilitate this, a toll-free number will be established for lodging complaints.
Highlighting alleged malpractices during the previous administration, Naidu criticized the Land Resurvey initiated by them, which he intends to halt. He accused the YSRC government of mismanaging red sanders and consolidating control over quarries through intimidation tactics. Naidu also criticized the consolidation of Forest and Mining portfolios under a single minister, whom he accused of facilitating state plunder.
Before departing for a visit to New Delhi, Naidu expressed intentions to discuss bifurcation-related issues with Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Despite uncertainties about his Delhi schedule, Naidu plans to chair a cabinet meeting at the State Secretariat before his departure.
In his critique of YSRC leaders, Naidu labeled them as "financial terrorists" and alleged systematic land grabs across various cities including Visakhapatnam, Ongole, Chittoor, and Tirupati. He cited specific instances, such as the alleged reclassification of land allocated to Ramanaidu Studios and irregularities in land allotments to Sarada Peetham.
Naidu's statements underscore a contentious political landscape in Andhra Pradesh, marked by allegations of corruption and mismanagement of natural resources under the previous regime.