PNS|Vijayawada
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has invited farmers from the capital region to participate in the ceremony marking the relaunch of Amaravati construction works. He said that 2 May would be a historic turning point for the State and described the construction of the capital as a vital step in Andhra Pradesh’s development.
He emphasised that a world-class capital was possible only because of the farmers’ sacrifices and assured them that the people of the State would always remember their goodwill. He urged farmers from the capital villages to actively engage in all Amaravati-related activities.
The Chief Minister discussed the formal relaunch of capital construction, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate on 2 May.
He interacted with farmers about their aspirations and concerns during a meeting at his residence in Undavalli. CM Naidu assured them that the government would facilitate bank loans for the returnable plots allocated to farmers who had contributed land for Amaravati’s construction.
“After the capital was announced in 2014, YSRCP leaders sought to create confusion and discourage farmers from surrendering their lands. Yet, trusting us, farmers willingly contributed 34,000 acres, hoping to secure a better future for themselves and the State. Sadly, under the YSRCP government, they endured much suffering. Despite promising to continue Amaravati as the capital, the previous government later pushed for three capitals, describing Amaravati as a ‘graveyard’ and a ‘desert’,” Naidu said.
He praised the farmers’ unwavering five-year struggle, which he said had saved Amaravati. “Amaravati is a divine capital, and it is only because of the strong foundation you laid that it could not be erased. Prime Minister Modi will launch the relaunch event on May 2, and every resident must be part of this historic occasion. After that, construction works will rapidly pick up pace, and we will also focus on developing the farmers’ allotted plots,” he added.
The meeting also covered discussions on additional land acquisition to meet the capital region’s needs. CM Naidu clarified farmers’ doubts, assuring them that acquisitions would only be aligned with development needs, such as the international airport and cricket stadium, and would not be forced upon them.
He cited the example of Shamshabad Airport in Hyderabad, where 5,000 acres were acquired, resulting in flourishing development, increased land values, and benefits for local farmers. “Similarly, Amaravati’s international airport and other infrastructure, including new bridges across the Krishna River and inner and outer ring roads, will boost connectivity, attract investments, and push land values higher,” he said.
Naidu reassured farmers that there would be no gap between the government and them, and no step would be taken against their interests.
Responding to farmers’ requests, the Chief Minister agreed to establish a memorial for those who lost their lives during the capital movement and announced plans to set up a museum tracing Amaravati’s history from the Satavahana era to the present. He also promised to initiate a programme to grant land titles to those residing without legal ownership within the Gramakantham limits.
Ministers Narayana, Anagani Satya Prasad, Vangalapudi Anitha, MLA Tenali Sravan Kumar and others were present at the meeting.
