Land Pooling exposes opposition doublespeak

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has hit the bull’s eye or so it seems at least on avowed mission of his. As things stand, it seems like there are no more obstacles left in the way of the government, which is adamant in creating its capital in the fertile regions of Guntur district.

The smart operator that Naidu is, he has come up with his masterstroke ‘Land Pooling’ which is still obscurely defined. Consequent to the announcement, the farming community in its confusion has split vertically into two polarized groups; one is ready to offer their lands to government while the other is determined not to part with their fertile assets.

Acquiring 30,000 acres of land from lush green meadows of Krishna basin is a Herculean task for any government. A massive resistance is inevitable. But, ironically, Naidu has able to manage things his way to the extent that, as things stand, it is advantage the government.

This has also been because of the lethargic opposition, which has gone into a deep slumber and has failed to drum up support although there was some resistance from a section of farmers and women who denounced the proposal with street-side protests and dharnas.

Tulluru has been in the spotlight of late because it is the focal point of the proposed capital region. Members of the Cabinet Sub-committee on land pooling are vigoursly touring the area to convince the farmers to accept the government’s proposal.

They are half way through. Surprisingly, the inactive opposition is nowhere to be seen when the fact of the matter is that barring TDP and BJP, all parties ought to come together on a single platform to spearhead a strong agitation and ensure suitable compensation for the aggrieved farmers.

After the announcement, YCRCP did a whirlwind tour under the leadership of former minister Dharama Prasada Rao. Less than 24 hours later, he was neither seen in the area nor has he been championing the cause.

In fact, he led the campaign only in the strong pockets of YSRCP. National Party Congress, which has no representation in the Assembly, did a show-up once. The leaders are issuing warnings not from the fields, but from press conferences.

Only Left parties are making some noise where CPI is leading the show. Unfortunately their popular leader Narayana did not enter the scene. (Some reminded us that CPI had been a steadfast supporter of the bifurcation)

Meanwhile, the government is taking complete advantage of the disjointed opposition. The ruling party intensified its campaign to woo the disgruntled farmers by roping in local Legislator A Sravan Kumar and Rajahmundry MP Murali Mohan.

Coming in as a shot in the arm has been the fact that some representatives from the farmers community called on Naidu and had an interactive sessions with him in Hyderabad. On its part the government is safe in presuming that it could be a safe sailing hereafter, particularly, if they can win over the farmers given that the opposition parties appear oblivious of the goings-on.