Controversy Erupts Over Disputed Land Deals in Vizag Under New TDP Government
Andhra Pradesh’s newly-elected Telugu Desam Party (TDP) government has come under scrutiny over allegations that party leaders are eyeing valuable lands in the state’s coastal capital of Visakhapatnam (Vizag). Just weeks after taking office in June 2024, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu announced a crackdown on the registration of prohibited lands, ordering an investigation into transactions that occurred under the previous YSR Congress party administration.
According to the chief minister, his government will not allow the registration of any lands covered under Section 22-A of the state’s revenue laws, which designate certain properties as off-limits for private ownership. However, critics claim that TDP leaders have been actively attempting to acquire these restricted parcels for their own benefit, exploiting loopholes and political influence to circumvent the regulations.
The controversy stems from Naidu’s surprise declaration soon after assuming power, in which he stated that his administration would probe the “registration of such freehold lands” that had taken place during the YSR Congress party’s tenure. This suggests the new government believes significant irregularities occurred in the handling of protected lands, potentially allowing politically-connected individuals to gain control of valuable real estate.
Vizag, as the planned site of Andhra Pradesh’s new capital city, has become a hotbed of land speculation and development activity. With prime coastal properties in high demand, the stakes are exceptionally high, prompting allegations of widespread corruption and abuse of power. Local activists and opposition parties have long decried the “land-grabbing” tactics of political elites, and the TDP’s latest actions have only added fuel to the fire.
Critics argue that Naidu’s order to halt registrations is a thinly-veiled attempt to retroactively invalidate transactions undertaken by his rivals, allowing the TDP to seize control of the contested lands. However, the chief minister maintains that his government is committed to upholding the law and protecting public resources from misappropriation.
As the investigation unfolds, the people of Andhra Pradesh will be watching closely to see whether the TDP’s actions are driven by a genuine desire for transparency and accountability, or if they merely reflect a power struggle between political factions vying for economic and political dominance in the state. The outcome could have far-reaching consequences for the future development of Vizag and the region as a whole.
