In a significant development from Vijayawada, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has announced a formal inquiry into serious corruption allegations against officials of the Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA). The decision came during an informal interaction with reporters on Saturday, where the CM expressed strong displeasure over the bribery claims.
Zero Tolerance Towards Corruption
The Chief Minister made it clear that his administration would not tolerate any corrupt practices, particularly those affecting farmers. "CRDA officials demanding bribes from farmers will be viewed very seriously," Naidu asserted during the press interaction. He promised that stern action would follow against any officials found guilty after the completion of the probe.
Naidu emphasized that the state government is working with the primary objective of ensuring equitable development across all three regions of Andhra Pradesh. He revealed that a proposal to establish three regional zones is currently being worked out to ensure balanced progress throughout the state rather than prioritizing any single area.
Addressing Farmer Concerns
The Chief Minister specifically addressed the ongoing concerns of capital region farmers who had parted with their lands for the development of Amaravati. He suggested that all affected farmers should unite under the Amaravati Area Development Association, through which the government would conduct structured consultations to resolve all pending issues.
"There have been some issues in resolving the concerns concerning farmers," Naidu acknowledged. "All the issues will be resolved one after the other without any delay," he assured the farming community.
Regarding the specific request from farmers for exemption from capital gains tax on land given for the capital project, Naidu confirmed that the matter has been escalated to the Union Finance Minister. He stated that the Central government would examine the issue thoroughly before taking an appropriate decision.
Long-term Development Vision
The Chief Minister expressed satisfaction that farmers had responded positively to explanations provided about the second phase of land pooling and the long-term benefits that would accrue if Amaravati evolves into a metropolitan center rather than remaining a municipality.
Reiterating the government's commitment to uninterrupted capital development, Naidu confirmed that issues relating to layout approvals in the capital region areas would be sorted out shortly. This assurance comes as a relief to many stakeholders awaiting clearances for various development projects.
In another significant announcement, the Chief Minister revealed that efforts are being intensified to complete the Polavaram project before the 2027 Godavari Pushkaralu. This massive irrigation project remains crucial for the state's agricultural and water security needs.
The Chief Minister's comprehensive address and decisive action on corruption allegations demonstrate the government's dual focus on maintaining administrative integrity while advancing developmental agenda for Andhra Pradesh's future growth.
