YSRCP Leaders Exploit Lands in AP:
The YSRCP government’s land acquisition for distributing residential plots under the “Jagananna Colonies” scheme is estimated to have involved illicit profiteering of around Rs. 1,500 crore, according to preliminary estimates from the Vigilance and Enforcement Department. Investigations are underway to identify those responsible and the ultimate beneficiaries of this alleged scam.
The Vigilance and Enforcement Department is investigating several aspects, including the locations and values of the land layouts, the market price versus purchase price, the accounts into which funds were deposited, and any further distribution of these funds. Information is being collected by layout, with an initial list of individuals prepared, and officials are considering criminal charges and fund recovery actions. The investigation has found that numerous YSRCP leaders, ranging from state and constituency leaders to village-level officials, exploited their positions to engage in large-scale insider trading.
The YSRCP government reportedly spent over Rs. 11,500 crore on the purchase of more than 25,000 acres of land. The majority of these funds were allegedly siphoned off by YSRCP leaders through various channels.
Land Acquisition Manipulation in Various Areas
The Vigilance investigation revealed that prior administrations engaged in manipulation specific to each location, buying land for the government at prices significantly higher than the actual market value. For example, plots valued at Rs. 10 lakh per acre were acquired at Rs. 30–40 lakh, while plots worth Rs. 30 lakh were purchased at Rs. 50–60 lakh, with the difference allegedly pocketed by leaders. Local YSRCP constituency leaders reportedly collaborated with officials to pre-select areas targeted for government acquisition. They purchased land from local farmers at low prices before reselling it to the government at 40–45% higher rates. In some cases, leaders even made agreements with landowners, ensuring that 70% of the increased amount went to YSRCP leaders and 30% to the landowners.
Additionally, YSRCP leaders with land near these layouts sold plots to the government at high prices, increasing the value of their nearby properties.
Unsuitable Lands Also Acquired
The investigation found that in some places, leaders ensured the government bought unusable lands at high prices. For example, 586 acres of flood-prone land in Burugupudi, East Godavari district, was acquired at Rs. 45 lakh per acre, even though its actual value did not exceed Rs. 20 lakh. This single layout alone reportedly diverted Rs. 150 crore. Other purchases included unsuitable lands like hills and rocky terrain. The Vigilance Department identified similar irregularities in East Godavari, Prakasam, Guntur, and Krishna districts.
