The Communist Party of India (Marxist) in Andhra Pradesh is making a strong stand against two major government initiatives: the second phase of land acquisition for the Amaravati Capital Region and the Centre’s proposed Power Amendment Bill 2025. The party is demanding immediate action on both fronts, calling for their complete withdrawal.
During a recent press conference, CPI(M) State secretary V. Srinivasa Rao emphasized the urgent need for the government to halt all forms of forced land acquisition. He also called for an all-party meeting to transparently review and address the commitments made to farmers during the initial phase of land pooling.
Amaravati was designated as the state capital in 2014, following a unanimous Assembly resolution. This led to the collection of approximately 34,000 acres from farmers, complemented by about 54,000 acres of government land. However, despite these extensive efforts, the capital’s construction has been severely stalled. Mr. Rao highlighted that the previous YSRCP government’s controversial ‘three-capital’ proposal significantly disrupted development, while the BJP-led central government failed to provide promised funds. He also pointed out that the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), both during its previous tenure and now as part of the ruling coalition, did not fulfill its promises to the affected farmers.
The CPI(M) leader further alleged that the plots promised to farmers remain undeveloped, job assurances have not materialized, and pledges of free education and healthcare have been disregarded. The decision to acquire an additional 44,000 acres in this second phase, made without any public consultation, has naturally ignited widespread opposition among farmers and local villagers. Despite this strong public sentiment, the cabinet has chosen to establish a special purpose vehicle for land acquisition and re-authorize the Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA) for fresh land collection, even after previous notifications were revoked.
Mr. Srinivasa Rao firmly stated that any further land required for essential infrastructure like roads should only be obtained after open and genuine dialogue with farmers. He unequivocally rejected the government’s current coercive methods, demanding a complete reconsideration of its plans. His call includes canceling the second phase of land pooling and convening an all-party meeting, involving farmer representatives, political groups, and the Amaravati Joint Action Committee (JAC), to ensure that all initial land pooling promises are honored fairly.
Beyond local issues, the CPI(M) leader also strongly criticized the Central Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2025, labeling it as both unconstitutional and anti-people. He argued that electricity falls under the purview of state subjects, and the Central government’s intervention fundamentally violates India’s federal structure. Mr. Rao expressed concerns that the privatization of both electricity generation and distribution would inevitably lead to skyrocketing prices, eliminate crucial cross-subsidies, and place an unbearable financial burden on ordinary citizens.