Ex-minister Kannababu accuses Naidu of betraying farmers

Former Minister K Kannababu has criticised Chandrababu Naidu, accusing him of betraying farmers during the Kakinada SEZ land acquisition. Kannababu claimed that it was Naidu who went against the interests of farmers, while Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy had returned the lands to those agitating for them.
Addressing the media here on Thursday, Kannababu said farmers had protested the forceful land acquisition in the Kakinada SEZ, and Chandrababu Naidu had attempted to suppress their movement using heavy police force.
“Chandrababu, who had promised to stand by the farmers before the elections, instead used every effort to crush the agitation once in power. He arrested leaders of the Struggle Committee and tried to fast-track the land acquisition process,” Kannababu remarked.
He added that YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, during his padayatra, had patiently listened to the farmers’ concerns and, upon assuming office, set up a committee to study the issue.
Based on the committee’s recommendations, lands were returned to farmers who were unwilling to part with them.
“Once the land was returned, it became their choice whether to retain or sell it. False reports are being spread, claiming that the Kannababu Committee has wronged the farmers. It was Chandrababu Naidu who attempted to forcibly acquire land, while YS Jagan Mohan Reddy returned the land to the farmers who refused to part with it,” he said.
Regarding rice smuggling, Kannababu said the coalition was confusing the deep sea port with the anchorage port and the activities taking place there. He stated that over 15,000 workers depend on the port and its associated industries.
“False propaganda is being spread about the port issue as well,” he added.