I trust Chandrababu, but not political corruption, says Pawan Kalyan

Even as Janasena chief Pawan Kalyan expressed his confidence in the leadership of Chandrababu Naidu he has raised several doubts on the process of land pooling.

Pawan exposed his soft corner for Chandrababu Naidu when he wished that the TDP chief continued as Chief Minister till 2024 i.e two terms. He wanted Chandrababu Naidu to clarify how the farmers who gave land voluntarily for the CRDA will be constitutionally protected."Farmers seek guarantees for the land pooled as the package offered does not commensurate with the anticipated gains in land prices in near future," Pawan said.

Addressing a press conference at his film nagar office and dressed in white kurta and pyjama (same as his attire during his visit to CRDA villages), Pawan Kalyan cast aspersions on the process of collection of huge land for building capital. He drew inference from what had happened to thousands of acres of land gathered by Vanpic, by Matrix Prasad and Maytas for infrastructure development in coastal districts. "What happened in the Polepally SEZ and also many others?" he asked, adding, " I have confidence in Chandrababy Naidu but not the element of political corruption every where," he said.

While farmers were forced to give up land, the alleged developers Matrix Prasad and Maytas ( Satyam company ) had to give it away to Navayuga Co, which is managing the Krishnapatnam port. "All that indicated that the farmers are denied benefits of their sale whiloe the power brokers who took away their lands have resold it for better gains to a third party," he said.

Expressing fears whether the same could happen in case of CRDA lands as well, Pawan made a significant statement. "Singapore political leadership is above corruption and such an environment is yet to emerge and become transparent in India," he said. Pawan thereby cast aspersion that the power play and politics of land pooling was not as transparent as it was made to appear in the official and general media.

Pawan had also took a shot at YSRC eader Jagamohan Reddy when he said "Jagan's statements were politically loaded as he has said that he would give back the lands to farmers of CRDA villages when he comes to power."