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Pawan Kalyan Orders Probe Into Lands
Pawan Kalyan Orders Investigation into Jagan’s Land Acquisition
In a significant move, Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan ordered an inquiry on Tuesday into alleged irregularities in the acquisition of land by Saraswati Power and Industries Private Limited, a company linked to former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy. The investigation centers around land acquisitions in Vemavaram village, Machavaram Mandal, Palnadu district. This decision highlights growing concerns over alleged misconduct in land deals involving private and Dalit-owned properties.
Kalyan’s visit to the lands of Saraswati Power intensified scrutiny on the issue, sparking public debate. He directed a thorough probe into the acquisition of over 1,043 acres of private land, 75 acres of “dotted” land, and 24 acres of assigned land in the region. “We are ordering a full investigation into this land acquisition and will raise the matter in the cabinet,” he stated, adding that the government led by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu would ensure swift action in addressing any violations.
Concerns Over Dalit Land Acquisition Practices
The probe initiated by Pawan Kalyan also includes allegations that lands owned by Dalits were forcibly taken for establishing the Saraswati Power project. The Deputy Chief Minister claimed that the acquired land—originally held by Dalits and vulnerable communities—was taken through coercive means. “The acquired properties, obtained through intimidation, are now being disputed as family assets,” Kalyan remarked, adding that such issues could lead to wider social and political consequences in the region.
Kalyan referenced recent developments in which Jagan Mohan Reddy reportedly approached the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) over disputes with his mother, Y.S. Vijayamma, and sister, Y.S. Sharmila, concerning shares in Saraswati Power. He argued that the Pawan Kalyan orders probe would help uncover the truth behind these acquisitions and ensure justice for those affected.
Allegations of Water Misallocation and Lease Extensions
Among the concerns raised by Pawan Kalyan is the allocation of vast resources to a project that, as he claims, never came to fruition. He highlighted that 196 crore liters of water were allegedly allotted to Saraswati Power, despite it being a “non-existent” facility. Additionally, he alleged that Jagan Mohan Reddy’s tenure as Chief Minister saw the extension of the land lease tenure from 30 years to 50 years, even though the promised industrial plant was never established.
Kalyan also asserted that 400 acres of forest land had been falsely registered as revenue land to benefit the company. This claim, part of the broader Pawan Kalyan orders probe, underscores the extent of alleged mismanagement in the project and raises questions about the role of public officials in the process.
Violent Intimidation Tactics Alleged
One of the most disturbing allegations brought forward by Kalyan is that farmers were reportedly “terrorized” with petrol bombs, an intimidation tactic aimed at forcing them to surrender their lands. He contended that Saraswati Power did not obtain necessary environmental or pollution control clearances, and accused the company of exploiting public lands in a manner that has sparked widespread local disputes.
The Deputy Chief Minister stated that public assets have been seized without due process, leading to ongoing conflict over land and resource ownership. He argued that the Pawan Kalyan orders probe would expose these violations and hold responsible parties accountable for any abuses.
Allegations of Land Allocation by Former Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy
Tracing the roots of the land acquisition controversy, Pawan Kalyan pointed out that the united Andhra Pradesh government, under the leadership of the late Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, had initiated the acquisition of approximately 1,184 acres for Saraswati Power between 2004 and 2009. He alleged that Rajasekhara Reddy allocated this land to his son, Jagan Mohan Reddy, promising industrial growth and local employment.
According to Kalyan, however, these promises were never fulfilled. He asserted that Jagan’s company failed to deliver on its commitments, leaving the acquired lands unused and the local community unbenefited. The Deputy CM claimed that even the compensation owed to landowners remained unpaid, aggravating the already tense situation.
Response from Critics
Meanwhile, critics, including TDP leaders, have raised questions about Kalyan’s approach. Ambati Rambabu, a spokesperson for Jagan Mohan Reddy’s faction, mocked Kalyan’s “incoherent” statements and accused him of shifting blame onto the current administration after claiming law and order had failed in the state. Rambabu recalled that TDP leaders had already highlighted these issues months earlier and demanded the imposition of President’s rule as a corrective measure.
Pawan Kalyan’s Commitment to Justice
Despite the opposition’s criticisms, Pawan Kalyan orders probe as a demonstration of his resolve to address longstanding grievances around the Saraswati Power land acquisition. Kalyan’s decision to take the matter to the cabinet reflects his administration’s stance on holding officials and private entities accountable for any violations, particularly in cases impacting marginalized groups such as Dalits.
As the inquiry unfolds, Pawan Kalyan emphasized that the government will act decisively to ensure a fair outcome. By initiating the Pawan Kalyan orders probe, the Deputy CM aims to uncover the facts behind these acquisitions, ensure fair compensation, and potentially establish safeguards to prevent similar controversies in the future.
Disclaimer: This article provides a summary of allegations made by Andhra Pradesh Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan and does not reflect the final findings of the ongoing investigation. All information is based on statements from officials and reports.
