In a fiery attack, Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) chief Y.S. Sharmila Reddy launched a blistering critique against Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, accusing him of turning the Amaravati capital project into a “real-estate loot” benefitting corporate giants rather than the people of Andhra Pradesh.

Sharmila questioned the fate of the 54,000 acres acquired in the first phase of land pooling, demanding an immediate white paper on how the land was utilised, how much was allotted to farmers as returnable plots, how much was given to companies, and how much remained with the government. “If 54,000 acres were taken for a world-class capital, where is that capital?” she asked, alleging that not a single kilometre of meaningful development had taken place even after eleven years.

She accused Naidu of weaving grand illusions of skyscrapers, global hubs, and livable cities while allowing Amaravati to turn into an overgrown wasteland. “He now wants another 20,000 acres, this time for Adani and Ambani,” she alleged, declaring Congress’ complete opposition to the second-phase land acquisition.

Sharmila ridiculed the government’s plan to build a 5,000 acre greenfield airport, comparing it to the far smaller land footprints of major international airports. “When Mumbai needs 1,850 acres and Bhogapuram needs 2,200 acres, why does Naidu need 5,000 acres? For whom is this land really being taken?” she questioned.

She also attacked the proposal for a 2,500 acre sports city, noting that Olympic venues in Beijing and London were built within just 150 acres. “This government’s demands defy logic, they only benefit the land mafia,” she said.

Slamming Naidu for blackmailing Amaravati farmers into giving more land, Sharmila warned that the first-phase farmers 29,000 families still do not know where their returnable plots lie. She further criticised the Centre’s minimal support, accusing both the State and the Union governments of betraying Andhra Pradesh.

“The Congress demands transparency, an all-party meeting, and immediate development of the first-phase lands,” she declared, asserting that Amaravati represents not crops or concrete, but the self-respect of all Andhras.

“When Mumbai needs 1,850 acres and Bhogapuram needs 2,200 acres, why does Naidu need 5,000 acres? 

Y S  Sharmila Reddy APCC chief