Naidu Vows To Scrap Land Title Act, Slams Jagan Reddy’s Policies
Tirupati: Telugu Desam chief Nara Chandrababu Naidu has issued a stern warning against the state government's proposed AP Land Title Act and vowed to scrap the "draconian" legislation if the Opposition alliance is elected to power.
Addressing a large gathering in Chittoor on Saturday, Naidu characterised the legislation as a grave threat to the land ownership rights of ordinary citizens across the state, including supporters of the YSRC. "If this pernicious law takes effect, it will be akin to the people hanging themselves," he said.
Naidu objected to a provision mandating that original land documents be digitised and stored on a computer, with landowners receiving only their photocopies. "Will banks grant loans based on these photocopies? Can you sell your lands with just photo copies," he asked.
The TD chief alleged that the YSRC intends to vest sweeping powers in a "Land Title Officer" appointed by Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy.
He claimed that this official could unilaterally deny landowners the ability to sell properties, forcing them into protracted and unaffordable legal battles that are only resolvable by the High Court after years of litigation.
The former chief minister further trained his guns on Jagan Mohan Reddy himself, branding him a "traitor of Rayalaseema" as he “failed” to initiate substantive development for the region. Contrasting this with his own tenure, Naidu recalled starting new industries and working to establish Chittoor as an educational hub.
Striking a personal note, the TD chief reminded the crowds of his local roots, that he was born in Chittoor district, and reaffirming his commitment to the region's development. He accused minister Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy of monopolising authority and lucrative contracts in the Rayalaseema region through nepotism. Naidu vowed to hold him accountable after the opposition alliance assumed power.
Refuting claims that welfare schemes could be scrapped if the Opposition alliance wins power, Naidu promised the people that he would in fact double the benefits of such schemes.
In Nandyal, Naidu made several promises. He vowed that if elected, his first signature would be to approve the long-delayed mega DSC. He also promised to increase the disability pension to `6,000 per month. He recounted his controversial arrest in Nandyal, claiming he was taken into custody without proper procedures. "If someone like me can be arrested so easily, imagine what this unstable Jagan Mohan Reddy can do to you," Naidu cautioned his supporters.
The TD leader accused the YSRC government of demolishing infrastructure projects initiated during his tenure, such as the planned state capital Amaravati and irrigation schemes. He took credit for Hyderabad's development into an IT hub and promised to similarly develop Andhra Pradesh if re-elected.
"Do you want a destructive rule or development, a welfare-focused rule or turmoil," Naidu asked the voters, asserting that he only can provide jobs, safety and economic progress. “Jagan Mohan Reddy encouraged cannabis and drugs and land acquisition misconduct.” Naidu criticised the YSRC's liquor policies, saying his administration would cancel the "J Brand" liquor and excessive taxes while regulating prices and quality.
