Article Today, Vijayawada:
Thousands of farmers, agricultural labourers, and civil society groups staged a massive rally in Vijayawada on Wednesday against what they termed as forced land acquisition by the State government. The protestors accused the administration, led by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, of ignoring their rights and livelihoods. The demonstrators raised slogans asserting their determination to protect their lands and livelihoods.
Police Action and Resistance
The rally faced restrictions as police deployed barricades and imposed curbs to prevent marchers from reaching key government offices. Several protestors were detained, but the resistance only grew stronger. Farmers broke through barricades and marched towards the Secretariat and Raj Bhavan. They declared that no authority had the right to seize their land without consent and compensation.
Call for Legal Implementation
The central demand of the protestors was the enforcement of the 2013 Land Acquisition Act. Under this law, affected families are entitled to proper compensation, rehabilitation, and resettlement. Protest leaders alleged that the government was disregarding these provisions and acquiring land forcibly. They argued that such practices would devastate the lives of farmers and marginalised communities, pushing them into uncertainty.
United Struggle
The demonstration was marked by unity across groups. Alongside farmers, several people’s organisations, agricultural labour unions, and activists extended their support. Leaders emphasised that this was not just a farmer’s issue but a people’s struggle for rights and justice. Addressing the gathering, All India Agricultural Workers’ Union general secretary B. Venkat said the agitation would continue until the State implemented the 2013 Act in letter and spirit.
Warning to Government
Protestors cautioned that continued neglect of legal provisions and reliance on coercive methods would further intensify public anger. The rally, they said, should be seen as a warning to the government that its policies could face stronger statewide resistance if corrective measures are not taken. Observers noted that the Vijayawada protest has once again brought land acquisition issues to the centre of political and social debate in Andhra Pradesh.
