Date: October 24, 2024
AP Govt Reclaims Land from Jagan’s Guru Swaroopananda
The Andhra Pradesh government has decided to take back 15 acres of land previously granted to Sri Sarada Peetham. This decision was made during a state Cabinet meeting led by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu. The move comes as part of the government’s effort to correct irregular land allocations on jagan’s guru made by the previous administration.
Jagan’s Guru Granted the Land
The YSR Congress government, under Jagan Mohan Reddy, originally granted the land to the Peetham in 2021. The land, located in Bheemunipatnam near Visakhapatnam, was intended for the establishment of a Vedic school. However, the spiritual leader, Swaroopanandendra Saraswati, later requested changes to allow other uses for the land.
Controversy and Allegations on Jagan’s Guru Land Scam
Many political and social organizations raised concerns about the land grant, citing its high value. Critics alleged that the land was given as a token of gratitude for a religious ritual performed by the Peetham following Jagan’s election win. The low price of ₹1 lakh per acre further fueled these allegations.
Public Demands for Action
Several groups, including the Jana Sena and the Visakha District Dalit Unity Forum, called on the new government to revoke the land grant. They argued that the land was not being used for its intended purpose. In response to these demands, the AP government has now decided to reclaim the land.
Naidu Criticizes Past Land Allocations
Chief Minister Naidu criticized the previous government’s handling of land allocations. He accused the YSR Congress of illegally occupying over 1.75 lakh acres of land during its rule. To prevent future misuse, Naidu also announced plans for a new AP Land Grabbing Act, modeled after a similar law in Gujarat.
Government’s Clear Message
By reclaiming this land, the AP government is sending a strong message: land allocations must be transparent and in the public interest. The administration remains committed to reviewing past decisions and ensuring fair use of state resources.