The Communist Party of India (Marxist) State Committee has strongly opposed the Andhra Pradesh government’s decision to initiate the second phase of land pooling for Amaravati Capital Region, calling for its immediate withdrawal. Addressing a press conference here on Sunday, CPI (M) State secretary V. Srinivasa Rao urged the government to halt all forms of forcible land acquisition and to convene an all-party meeting to review the promises made to farmers during the initial land pooling phase.Amaravati was declared the State capital in 2014 through a unanimous resolution of the Assembly, and around 34,000 acres of land was pooled from farmers, along with government lands totalling about 54,000 acres. Despite these efforts, capital construction was stalled. The previous YSRCP government’s three-capital proposal disrupted development, while the BJP-led Centre failed to release funds. The TDP, both then and now as part of the ruling alliance, also did not fulfill its promises to farmers, he said.The CPI (M) leader alleged that plots promised to farmers remain undeveloped, job assurances were not met, and pledges of free education and healthcare were ignored. The decision to acquire an additional 44,000 acres in the second phase without public consultation has sparked widespread opposition among farmers and villagers in the region. Notwithstanding, the cabinet has decided to form a special purpose vehicle for land acquisition and reauthorisation of the CRDA for fresh land collection despite earlier notifications being revoked, he pointed out.Mr. Srinivasa Rao stated that any additional land required for roads or infrastructure should be obtained only after open dialogue with farmers. The government’s coercive approach was unacceptable, he said and demanded that the government reconsider its plans. He also wanted the government to cancel the second phase of land pooling, and hold an all-party meeting with representatives of farmers, political groups, and the Amaravati JAC to ensure fair implementation of land pooling promises.The CPI(M) leader also demanded the withdrawal of the Central Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2025, describing it as unconstitutional and anti-people. Electricity is a State subject and that the Central government’s intervention violates the federal spirit. Privatisation of both generation and distribution would cause electricity prices to soar, eliminating cross-subsidies and burdening common people, he felt.Published - October 12, 2025 04:34 pm IST