Tensions Mount as Amaravati Farmers Block YSRC Leaders in Guntur District

A tense situation unfolded in Undavalli, located in the Guntur district, this past Saturday. Local Amaravati farmers gathered to block a convoy of YSRC leaders, resulting in a heated confrontation that included arguments, the throwing of stones, and minor injuries reported among those present.

The YSRC had previously established a Rajadhani Parirakshana Committee, composed of representatives from the Guntur, Krishna, and NTR districts. The primary objective of this committee was to conduct a visit to the villages within the Amaravati capital region to survey land and engage with the local farming community regarding ongoing land-related concerns.

Confrontation and Escalation in Amaravati

Party figures including Perni Venkataramaiah, Lella Appireddy, and Devineni Avinash departed from the Prakasam Barrage to facilitate a visit to Penumaka. However, the farmers, who had anticipated the movement, organized protests at Penumaka and Krishnayapalem. As the convoy attempted to move through Undavalli, the farmers obstructed their path, holding placards and vocalizing their opposition to the political visit.

The core of the frustration stems from the farmers' accusations that the YSRC betrayed the Amaravati region during its tenure by failing to develop the capital and proposing a controversial three-capitals model. The farmers insisted that the party recognize Amaravati as the legitimate state capital before attempting to interact with the residents.

The situation escalated quickly into a physical standoff between the farmers and supporters of the YSRC. Amidst the chaos, reports indicate that stones were thrown by individuals on both sides, forcing law enforcement to step in and restore order. A police constable, identified as Chinna Thambi, suffered minor injuries during the turmoil. Following the event, the Home Minister, Vangalapudi Anitha, communicated with the injured officer to check on his well-being and provided assurances of support.

Political Fallout

The incident drew swift criticism from the top leadership. YSRC president and former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy took to social media to denounce the occurrence. He questioned the nature of the current state governance, characterizing the event as an effort to suppress the truth regarding the plight of the Amaravati farmers. Furthermore, he accused the ruling government of intimidating landowners who have resisted land acquisition notices. One vehicle belonging to a party leader sustained damage to its windscreen during the unrest, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing political and land-related tensions within the region.