Green Zone mystery deepens around Velagapudi Palace
- Allegations of large-scale manipulation under the Chandrababu Naidu government in Amaravati.
- Farmers allege that prime plots are being allotted to followers, benamis, close associates, and TDP leaders under the guise of a “lottery.”
- Ordinary farmers claim they are being pushed into low-lying, flood-prone, and lake-adjacent areas.
- Farmers question whether the allocations are genuinely lottery-based or politically influenced.
- Anger grows over “VIP plots” for influential people while ordinary farmers receive submerged lands.
- Simultaneously, controversy continues over the alleged “green zone manipulation” near the Velagapudi palace being built by the CM’s family.
- Questions are being raised over the conversion of adjacent residential land into a green zone after purchase of a 25,000 square yard property in the core capital region in the name of Nara Brahmani.
- Farmers and public groups are criticising what they describe as unchecked corruption, preferential treatment for benamis and insiders, and neglect of genuine farmer grievances.
Popular Telugu sayings such as “special treatment for one’s own people” and “if the ruler desires, nothing is impossible” are now being used by angry farmers to describe what they allege is happening in Amaravati. Farmers say corruption, irregularities, favouritism, manipulation, and misuse of power have reached alarming levels in the capital region. They allege that while influential individuals are getting plots exactly where they want them, ordinary farmers are being allotted lands in flood-prone zones, lake beds, and low-lying areas.
At the same time, controversy continues over the luxurious palace reportedly being built near Velagapudi by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu’s family, on land purchased in the name of his daughter-in-law Nara Brahmani. Questions are also being raised about the alleged conversion of neighbouring residential land into a green zone after the purchase.
Amaravati “Loot” from the Beginning
Critics allege that from the very beginning, Amaravati’s development was driven more by benefiting select individuals than by balanced urban planning. Allegations include delays in returnable plot allotments to farmers, unfair distribution of developed plots, spending crores merely for removal of shrubs and bushes, extravagant expenditure on temporary and permanent buildings, manipulation of master plans, changes in inner ring road alignments, and large-scale misuse of public funds under the name of capital construction.
Why are “Jackpot” plots going only to a few?
Farmers who surrendered lands under the Amaravati Land Pooling Scheme say they are deeply distressed. They allege that while ordinary farmers are receiving plots in waterlogged and low-value locations, politically connected individuals are receiving plots near major roads, four-road junctions, the Secretariat, and the High Court.
The death of Mandadam farmer Dondapati Rama Rao after expressing anguish over being allotted a plot in a lake area has become symbolic of the dissatisfaction among capital farmers. He had reportedly repeatedly requested CRDA to change his plot but received no response.
Six Prime plots for Radha Krishna’s family
The allotment of six key plots to Andhra Jyothy and ABN Managing Director Vemuri Radha Krishna’s son Vemuri Aditya and daughter Vemuri Anusha has become a major topic of discussion. They had purchased 5.39 acres in Neerukonda and surrendered the land under land pooling. In return:
- Both received residential plots measuring 1,500 square yards and 1,000 square yards each near the West Bypass.
- Both also received commercial plots measuring 660 square yards each at a four-road junction opposite SRM University.
Farmers say the fact that all six prime plots came through the “lottery” system has raised serious suspicions.
Massive allocations to Bejawada Ramesh family
The family of Bejawada Ramesh, known to be close to the Chief Minister, surrendered 31.245 acres under land pooling. They reportedly received:
- A 2,500 square yard commercial plot opposite the Secretariat.
- A 13,500 square yard residential plot near BITS Pilani.
- A 4,860 square yard residential plot beside the Secretariat.
- Large commercial plots adjoining major roads.
Construction activity is already underway on some of these plots. Farmers allege that repeated “jackpots” in the lottery are possible only because of political proximity to the Chief Minister.
Prime High Court area plots for Dhanekula Family
The family of Tulluru TDP president Dhane Kula Subbarao also reportedly received premium allocations:
- A 24,500 square yard residential plot near the new High Court.
- Another 11,820 square yard residential plot nearby.
- A commercial plot near the CM’s proposed new residence.
- Another major commercial plot near the High Court.
Farmers allege that these allotments are not random and that influential individuals are getting plots in desired locations.
Nara Brahmani Land deal Sparks Fresh Controversy
Fresh controversy erupted after purchase of a 25,000 square yard property in the core capital region in the name of Nara Brahmani. An ultra-modern palace is reportedly under construction there. The land is strategically located close to the proposed Secretariat, High Court, and Assembly complex.
Why was Residential Land converted into a Green Zone?
Registration documents reportedly showed “vacant residential land” on the southern side of the purchased property. Farmers now allege that after the purchase, this adjacent 3,670 square yard residential land parcel was converted into a green zone.
Farmers say that if the land had remained residential, it could have been allotted to other farmers or used to relocate those who received plots in flood-prone areas. They are questioning whether the conversion was done intentionally to prevent others from receiving plots near the Chief Minister’s family property.
Did CRDA Lose Rs 18 Cr?
In reports submitted to the World Bank, CRDA reportedly valued residential plots at Rs 50,000 per square yard. Based on that valuation, converting the 3,670 square yard parcel into a green zone allegedly caused a notional loss of around Rs 18.35 crore to CRDA.
Was the actual value only Rs 7,500 per Square Yard?
The 25,000 square yard land parcel purchased in the name of Nara Brahmani was reportedly registered for Rs 18.75 crore, which works out to roughly Rs 7,500 per square yard.
Intellectuals and public groups are now questioning whether land prices in the core capital region are genuinely that low or whether the actual value was understated. Critics argue that if the real value was higher, it would raise questions about possible evasion of registration charges and income tax liabilities.
How is Amaravati a “Self-Financing Capital”?
The government has reportedly stated that Amaravati’s construction involves borrowings of around Rs 47,387 crore. Economists point out that at the currently reflected land values, thousands of acres would need to be sold to repay those debts. They argue that sufficient land may not even be available, meaning repayment would eventually fall on public tax revenues. Public organisations are therefore questioning how Amaravati can genuinely be called a “self-financing capital city.”
Burial Ground Land Controversy
Another controversy involves Survey No. 163-B in Velagapudi, which CRDA had originally identified as burial ground land in its 2015 notification. Critics allege that the same land was later shown under the ownership of Kancherla Shanti Kiran and a 1,000 square yard residential returnable plot was allotted against it. The later purchase of related lands by Nara Brahmani has further intensified the controversy.
Growing anger among Farmers
Farmers who surrendered land for the capital say equal justice is not being done. They allege that CRDA decisions lack transparency and that rules are being selectively altered to benefit those close to the ruling establishment. Criticism is intensifying that political and family interests are being prioritised over genuine capital development and farmer welfare.
