Visakhapatnam: The issue of land encroachment by the GITAM University has sparked significant controversy in the region, prompting YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) leaders to question Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan’s silence on the matter. They have expressed concerns over why Kalyan, who previously made waves in Visakhapatnam, is now notably quiet about what they describe as one of the largest land scams in the country.
During a recent inspection of the disputed land, YSRCP leaders participated in a foot march from the Rushikonda Venkateswara Swamy Temple to GITAM University. Key figures in this protest included Legislative Council Opposition Leader Botsa Satyanarayana, Regional Coordinator Kannababu, and former minister Amarnath, among others. The group chanted slogans demanding the protection of government lands and called for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the alleged land encroachment.
Botsa Satyanarayana, addressing the media, criticized former Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, stating that the YSRCP had come to GITAM University to prevent what they termed as land looting. He accused Naidu’s family of being involved in a multi-crore land grab, highlighting that during the previous YSRCP government, warnings were issued regarding the ownership of land worth around ₹5,000 crores. “Are the police going to stop encroachment on government land?” he questioned, further challenging the narrative surrounding Naidu’s legacy as a legendary leader.
Satyanarayana also pointed out the media’s lack of coverage regarding the land encroachment issue, questioning why outlets like ABN, TV-5, and Eenadu had ignored the matter. He emphasized that the responsibility to address the encroachment lies with Kalyan, urging him to speak out against the issue while being present in Visakhapatnam. He suggested that if necessary, they would invite Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy to inspect the encroached lands.
Echoing similar sentiments, former minister Amarnath criticized the government’s alleged negligence in allocating land to GITAM University. He claimed that the current administration believes they can grant land without accountability. “When our government built tourism facilities, they falsely propagated against us. Now the government is giving GITAM University 55 acres of land, which raises serious concerns,” he stated.
Amarnath further questioned Kalyan’s motives, asking why he has refrained from addressing the matter despite having previously rallied public support. He pointed to other issues, such as the Tirumala laddu controversy, and suggested that Kalyan’s stance appears to be one of silence in the face of wrongdoing.
Kanababu, another former minister, criticized the spread of misinformation regarding government properties at Rushikonda and questioned the legitimacy of encroaching upon valuable land. He emphasized that under Naidu’s administration, land encroachments became rampant and called for discussions in Parliament regarding these encroachments during the coalition era. He asserted the YSRCP’s commitment to fighting for the preservation of the land in question.
This ongoing battle over land in Visakhapatnam reflects broader issues of governance and accountability, as the YSR Congress Party continues to press for transparency and action against perceived injustices in land allocation and encroachment. As the situation unfolds, the pressure mounts on Pawan Kalyan to clarify his position and respond to the growing calls for accountability in this contentious issue.
