Guntur: AP Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s “land-pooling” scheme to establish the new capital of Andhra Pradesh is increasingly being referred to as “land-pulling” in the riverfront villages of Tullur, Tadepalli and Mangalagiri Mandals due to the several controversies.
Out of the 29 villages in the capital region, landowners in eight Rayapudi, Borupalem, Abbarajupalem, Lingayapalem, Uddandarayunipalem, Penumaka, Undavalli and Nidamarru are reluctant to part with their fertile lands. They are calling the entire process as “land- pulling”. Rajadhani Rytula Samanyava committee leader M. Harindranath said the legislators and leaders of the ruling Telugu Desam were threatening that the government would take their lands forcibly if the farmers did not agree to the scheme.
Another farmer, S. Raghavulu, said that while some of the farmers might have misspelled “pooling” as “pulling”, it was proving to be correct, given the government’s intentions.
The issue has also caused rifts among family members. Social activist Y.V. Subba Rao said that family members were complaining and quarreling over small pieces of land which were distributed several years ago. Husbands and wives were demanding fresh division or redistribution of assets in view of the jump in land prices. Even parents and children were complaining against each other, alleging cheating.
Gold, two-wheeler and four-wheeler traders are making good use of the capital boom. Motorcycle and car showrooms have come up in tents and sheds in Tullur. Traders are even selling motorcycles and posh cars on the roads in Tullur.
J. Venkateswarlu said, “One can catch more flies with honey than vinegar, hence the traders are coming to their doorsteps to catch the farmer’s money.”
Gold traders are also queuing up to Tullur to sell ornaments. Kalyan Jewellers, Malabar Gold and Diamonds, Mohammed Khan and Sons and other jewelers are conducting campaigns in Tullur and other villages through their campaign vehicles and are also booking orders.
