Land Survey Controversy: Jagan Alleges Credit Misuse by CM

Former Chief Minister and YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy strongly condemned Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s attempts to claim credit for Andhra Pradesh’s comprehensive land survey initiative, calling it a distortion of a farmer-centric program. Speaking to the media on Thursday at the YSRCP central office in Tadepalli, Jagan accused Chandrababu of engaging in “credit theft” while undermining a project launched for farmers’ welfare.

‘Chandrababu Alone Can Claim Credit Theft on Land’

Jagan sharply remarked, “If anyone can effectively commit credit theft over land records, it is Chandrababu Naidu. Even the opportunists changing colors should feel ashamed seeing him.” He criticized Chandrababu for lacking commitment to resolving farmers’ issues despite being in office for over a year and a half, calling it shameful that he is trying to claim ownership of the land survey executed under YSRCP’s 2019–2024 government.

Idea Born During Padayatra

Recalling that the idea of a comprehensive land survey originated during his padayatra, Jagan highlighted the urgent need to address multiple land-related problems permanently. Despite the absence of modern technology and surveyors in the state, the 2019 manifesto promised a full-scale survey, which was launched on December 21, 2020, fulfilling that commitment.

A Historic Survey After a Century

Jagan emphasized that this extensive land survey was the first of its kind since the British era. Conducted transparently and without controversy, the initiative produced tamper-proof land records, granting permanent rights to landowners, with the government itself as a witness.

Use of Advanced Technology

The survey engaged approximately 40,000 trained personnel in collaboration with the Survey of India, using helicopters and drones to ensure measurements accurate within 5 centimeters. Millions of free survey stones were distributed to farmers, each marked “Bhoo Survey–Bhoo Raksha.” Passbooks were upgraded with QR codes and anti-tamper features. Despite costs exceeding ₹6,000 crore, the initiative earned recognition from the central government, including a ₹400 crore platinum-grade incentive, officially announced in Parliament in December 2023.

Permanent Rights for Millions

Jagan detailed that 20.24 lakh farmers received permanent rights over 35.40 lakh acres, and 27.40 lakh acres of assigned land were also formally allotted. Issues related to small plots and inam lands were resolved, granting rights to 1.6 lakh people, and 1.54 lakh Adivasis obtained rights over 3.26 lakh acres.

Criticism of the Current Government

He alleged that the current coalition government is spending ₹15 crore merely to remove survey stones and alter names. “We issued passbooks at ₹55.79 each; now they charge ₹76, giving them out for commission. Chandrababu has no moral ground to lecture on land issues,” Jagan said, accusing him of historically putting lands into prohibited lists.

Condemnation of Palnadu Incident

Jagan expressed outrage over the murder of Dalit youth Salman in Pinnelli village, Palnadu district, lamenting that citizens are forced to leave their homes due to lack of legal protection. He urged accountability from police officials to the Chief Minister and indicated that courts and human rights organizations would be approached regarding the case.

Truth Cannot Be Hidden

Stressing that the truth about the land survey cannot be concealed, Jagan asserted, “Attempts may be made to undermine the survey we initiated with a grand vision, but this historic effort will remain inscribed in golden letters.”

In response, Andhra Pradesh Electricity Minister G. Ravikumar hit back at Jagan’s remarks, questioning his right to claim credit. In a press release, he asked Jagan to account for his five-year tenure and accused him of leaving the state in disarray, stating, “The only credit he has is for damaging the state.”