YSRCP faults ‘forceful’ acquisition of land from farmers in Prakasam district

YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) leader Merugu Nagarjuna has criticised the government’s land acquisition policy and accuses Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu of endangering farmers’ livelihood in the name of industrial development.

Addressing the media at the party office on Sunday, Mr. Nagarjuna condemned the “forceful and unjust” attempt to acquire nearly 8,000 acres of agricultural land at Karedu in Prakasam district allegedly without the consent of the farming community.

“The government’s approach shows a blatant disregard for farmers’ rights and democratic principles,” he said, adding, “This kind of coercive policy risks igniting widespread unrest in rural Andhra.”

He accused the government of targeting fertile farmlands instead of opting for available barren or unused lands, and warned that any attempt to intimidate or evict farmers forcibly would be met with stiff resistance.

“The YSRCP will not remain silent. If this continues, we will launch a State-wide agitation to defend the rights of farmers,” he said.

Mr. Nagarjuna also accused the government of trying to provoke conflict and instability in rural communities, stating that these actions betrayed the trust of people. He demanded transparency in the land acquisition process, and insisted that no further steps be taken without meaningful public consultation.