CM Naidu 'orchestrated attack' on YSRCP leaders heading to Amaravati: Jagan

Amaravati, Jun 27 (PTI) YSRCP chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Saturday accused Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu of “orchestrating an attack” on the opposition leaders who had travelled to Amaravati at the “invitation of farmers”. The allegations came after a skirmish between YSRCP leaders and MLCs and Amaravati farmers when the opposition party leaders were on their way to Penumaka village in the greenfield capital city today, which later escalated into stone pelting. However, Naidu accused YSRCP leaders of visiting Amaravati to “plot and provoke”. “Are you running a government or a goonda kingdom? Will you orchestrate an attack against former YSRCP ministers and MLCs who were going (to Amaravati) with CRDA (Capital Region Development Authority) protection committee at the invitation of capital farmers,” said Jagan in a post on X. The former CM asked if it was wrong to stand by the farmers who were allegedly being subjected to atrocities in the name of Amaravati development. According to Jagan, the TDP-led government is “harassing” farmers who declined to join the land pooling process by issuing land acquisition notices and “destroying the ways leading to their fields.” Mud was being illegally dug out from such farmers fields and their fields were also being flooded with water from Kondaveeti Vagu (stream). Further, he claimed that hapless conditions are being created for such farmers by issuing returnable plots in their fields and going as far as registering them also. “And when we (YSRCP leaders) were going to assure farmers of our support, will you (Naidu) resort to rowdyism with your people?” Jagan questioned. Further, he alleged that thousands of acres of land had already been acquired under the project and questioned the need for more land. "Why do you need more? For whom do you need it (more land)?" asked Jagan, demanding Naidu’s answers for farmers questions whether more land was allegedly meant for the “CM’s benamis or for dividing it among the ruling party leaders?” Jagan warned that the people will not forgive the government, and said there could be “double response” for this alleged “dirty culture” started by the ruling dispensation. Meanwhile, Naidu lashed out at YSRCP leaders, alleging that they had visited Amaravati to “plot and provoke incensed farmers.” YSRCP leaders went to the greenfield capital to obstruct its development, but said farmers blocked them, the CM said, addressing a public meeting in Markapuram district. Naidu accused the YSRCP of initially supporting Amaravati but later changing its stand. PTI STH ROH