Silence of Amaravati JAC sparks farmer outrage

More than fifteen months after the Telugu Desam Party-led coalition came to power in Andhra Pradesh, discontent is brewing among farmers who had given their lands for the Amaravati capital project. Despite repeated assurances from Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu that the first phase of capital construction would be completed within three years, there has been little visible progress on developing the residential and commercial plots allotted to farmers.

Farmers’ groups are now openly questioning the silence of the Amaravati Parirakshana Samithi Joint Action Committee (JAC), which once spearheaded agitations during the previous YSR Congress Party regime. Many farmers allege that JAC leaders, who have since been rewarded with nominated posts and chairperson positions, have chosen to remain quiet instead of holding the government accountable.

Where are the Voices that once fought for Amaravati?

During the YSRCP government’s tenure, several JAC leaders, including women and Dalit activists, faced police cases and arrests while fighting to protect Amaravati. Their current silence on the lack of development has surprised many. Farmers point out that land values, which had once improved after CRDA Commissioner Katanameni Bhaskar accelerated works, have once again plunged following his abrupt transfer.

Farmers demand answers

Farmers are demanding clarity on when their allocated plots will be developed and handed over. “We gave our land for the capital believing in the government’s promise. But when will we see our plots ready for construction?” asked one farmer. Many allege that JAC leaders are now indifferent because they have secured positions in government institutions.

One woman leader, who once refused to hold a TDP flag during protests, now serves as the Chairperson of the Women’s Commission. Similarly, a Dalit leader known for his fiery speeches has turned silent after receiving a nomination. Even Tadepalli MLA’s silence, many claim, is linked to hopes for a ministerial berth.

Unease surfaces in JAC meeting

The growing dissatisfaction came to light at a recent JAC meeting in Guntur, where several members voiced frustration over the government’s inaction. Farmers confronted leaders during the inauguration of the new CRDA office, alleging that corruption within the authority continues unchecked.

TDP leaders including Dhanekula Rama Rao, Madala Spruha, Bellamkonda Narasimharao, Karumanchi Narendra, and BJP leader Majjula Shyam Kishore reportedly criticized the government indirectly. “Fifteen months have passed, yet farmers’ problems remain unresolved. CRDA corruption persists, and there has been no progress in empowering local farmers through development,” said Madala Spruha, demanding immediate corrective action.

The JAC has warned that unless the Chief Minister, Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan, and Minister Narayana meet their representatives within ten days, they will announce a new course of action and organize a massive rally with farmers and workers.

Amaravati protection committee voices anger

The Amaravati Protection Committee also expressed strong dissatisfaction in a recent review meeting. Issues such as the plight of assigned landholders, delay in annual annuity payments, alignment of roads affecting farmer plots, and ambiguity over Floor Space Index (FSI) regulations were raised. The committee has demanded periodic review meetings with the government once every two and a half months, failing which it has warned of a large-scale protest.

CPI(M) state secretary V. Srinivasa Rao demanded that the government withdraw the “Land Pooling Scheme 2.0” and convene an all-party meeting with farmers to resolve outstanding issues.

Land pooling 2.0 raises new concerns

Minister P. Narayana recently unveiled the Land Pooling Scheme 2.0, promising 1,000 sq. yards of residential plots and 250–450 sq. yards of commercial plots to farmers, along with annual annuities ₹30,000 per acre for dry land and ₹50,000 for wet land, increasing yearly. However, farmers claim that assigned lands continue to be treated as “assigned,” leading to lower market value and poor demand for the plots.

Though CRDA Commissioner Kannababu has reportedly conveyed these issues to the Chief Minister, there has been no public assurance or follow-up from JAC leaders. Their continued silence has sparked debate across the state: is it satisfaction with the posts they received or optimism that the government will soon deliver on its promises?

“During the YSRCP regime, we fought day and night to save Amaravati,” said a group of farmers. “Now that the capital is safe, what about our plots and our future? Why are those who led us silent now?”

The farmers are demanding immediate response and action from both the government and the JAC leadership. For now, the Amaravati question, particularly the fate of the farmers’ promised plots, remains unresolved.