The Communist Party of India (Marxist) on Sunday condemned the Andhra Pradesh government’s alleged forcible acquisition of over 2.5 acres of agricultural land in Undavalli, near Amaravati, and demanded that the affected farmers be paid compensation at the prevailing market rate.

In a statement, CPI(M) Andhra Pradesh State secretary V. Srinivasa Rao alleged that the acquisition was carried out in a high-handed manner despite the landowners being small and marginal farmers dependent on agriculture for their livelihood. He urged the government to respect the proceedings before the High Court, hold discussions with the farmers, and arrive at an amicable settlement instead of resorting to coercive measures.

Mr. Rao also alleged that standing crops were destroyed during the acquisition process and sought action against police and revenue officials who, he claimed, used force against farmers and behaved inappropriately towards women during the operation.

He contended that agricultural land in Undavalli was valued at ₹5 crore to ₹7 crore an acre in the open market, while the government had allegedly assessed its value at ₹1.18 crore an acre and awarded compensation of about ₹2.62 crore an acre. Describing the acquisition as illegal, he criticised the authorities for taking possession of the land and attempting to begin road construction after destroying standing crops.

Mr. Rao said the government and the Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority (APCRDA) should resolve the issue through negotiations by offering compensation in line with the prevailing market value. He demanded that the government hold immediate talks with the affected farmers and ensure fair compensation before proceeding further with the acquisition.

Published - July 12, 2026 09:03 pm IST