|
A tragic incident unfolded in Undavalli after farmer Guntaka Padma Reddy died suddenly, allegedly following days of severe mental distress over the government's land pooling process. His death has triggered fresh concerns over the impact of the ongoing land acquisition on farming families in the Capital Region.
According to a press release, Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA) officials had issued notices to acquire Padma Reddy's 1.40 acres of fertile agricultural land for the Capital Region project. The fear of losing the land that had sustained his family for years reportedly left him deeply disturbed. The incident has heightened anxiety among farmers in Undavalli, many of whom are worried about the future of their lands and livelihoods. YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) leaders visited Padma Reddy's residence, paid their last respects, and expressed solidarity with his grieving family. The party said the incident reflects the emotional and financial burden being faced by small and marginal farmers affected by the land pooling process. As per the release, YSRCP Mangalagiri Constituency In-charge Donthireddy Vema Reddy said farmers are not opposed to the development of the Capital City. However, he demanded that the government provide equivalent agricultural land in the nearby area in exchange for the land being acquired, instead of taking away fertile fields without a practical alternative. He said Padma Reddy's death should serve as a wake-up call for the government to adopt a humane, compassionate, and farmer-friendly approach. This comes after the YSRCP criticised the Andhra Pradesh government over its action against farmers in Undavalli earlier today, alleging abuse of power and contempt for the rule of law. In a statement, the YSRCP National Spokesperson Karthik Yellapragada said the Chandrababu Naidu-led government deployed more than 100 police personnel and bulldozers against 11 marginal farming families in Undavalli. "The Chandrababu Naidu government's deployment of 100-plus police personnel and bulldozers against 11 marginal farming families in Undavalli is a blatant abuse of power," the statement read. "Destroying standing crops while the land acquisition matter is actively sub judice before the High Court shows utter contempt for the rule of law. Using weekend raids and unjust compensation to coerce small farmers is unacceptable," the spokesperson further said. The party further said it stands firmly with the affected farmers and would continue to oppose what it termed "undemocratic tyranny" until justice is delivered. (ANI)
|
