Farmers – YSRCP Accuses Andhra Pradesh Government of Targeting Undavalli Farming Families
Farmers – The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) has strongly criticised the Andhra Pradesh government over its reported action against a group of farming families in Undavalli, alleging that the administration exceeded its authority during a land acquisition exercise. The opposition party claimed that the operation ignored ongoing legal proceedings and raised serious questions about the treatment of small farmers affected by the dispute.
YSRCP Raises Questions Over Police Deployment
In a statement released on Monday, YSRCP National Spokesperson Karthik Yellapragada alleged that the government led by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu deployed more than 100 police personnel along with bulldozers against 11 marginal farming families in Undavalli. According to the party, such a large-scale operation was unnecessary and reflected an excessive use of state machinery against economically vulnerable farmers.
The spokesperson argued that the government’s approach was disproportionate and claimed that it had created fear among residents who depend on agriculture for their livelihood.
Allegations Over Crop Damage During Legal Dispute
The opposition party further alleged that standing crops were destroyed despite the land acquisition matter currently being under consideration before the High Court. YSRCP maintained that taking action while the dispute remains pending before the judiciary undermines established legal procedures.
The statement also questioned the timing of the operation, alleging that weekend enforcement activities and compensation offered to the affected families were intended to pressure them into accepting the acquisition process. According to the party, such actions do not reflect fair administrative practices and deserve independent scrutiny.
Party Extends Support to Affected Farmers
Reaffirming its position, YSRCP said it would continue supporting the affected families and oppose what it described as undemocratic actions until the farmers receive justice. The party maintained that the rights of landowners and cultivators should be protected through lawful procedures and transparent decision-making.
As of Monday, the Andhra Pradesh government had not issued an official response addressing the allegations made by the opposition regarding the Undavalli incident.
Earlier Criticism by YS Jagan Mohan Reddy
The latest accusations come days after YSRCP president YS Jagan Mohan Reddy criticised the state government on a broader range of governance issues. On July 5, he alleged that the police machinery was being used to suppress political criticism instead of focusing on public safety and criminal investigations.
According to Jagan Mohan Reddy, the administration was encouraging a political environment where individuals questioning government decisions were allegedly facing legal action, arrests and other forms of pressure. He argued that such practices could weaken democratic institutions and public confidence in law enforcement.
Concerns Over Law and Order
The former Chief Minister also claimed that several important public safety issues were not receiving adequate attention. He referred to cases involving missing children, complaints related to crimes against women and incidents affecting members of tribal communities, alleging that investigations in such matters had not progressed with sufficient urgency.
He further alleged that, while these cases required prompt action, individuals expressing criticism of the government through social media were reportedly facing criminal cases, arrests and stringent legal provisions. The Andhra Pradesh government has not publicly responded to these specific allegations made by the YSRCP leadership.
The developments add to the continuing political confrontation between the ruling government and the opposition in Andhra Pradesh, with both sides expected to continue presenting their positions as the legal and political issues surrounding the Undavalli land dispute move forward.