TDP will return SEZ land to farmers

NELLORE: The Telugu Desam will return the agricultural land acquired for setting up of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) to farmers, if it comes to power in the State, film actor and TDP leader Nandamuri Balakrishna has said.

Speaking at a roadshow at Balayapalli today, he alleged that the Congress Government acquired 25,000 acres of fertile land in Nellore district for setting up of SEZs leaving thousands of farmers in the lurch.

“The TDP will order an inquiry into acquisition of farm land for SEZs, if it is voted to power, as it is against the guidelines.

Later, the lands will be returned to farmers,” Balakrishna said.

Despite the tall claims of the Congress Government, the SEZs had failed to generate considerable employment and promote industrial growth. It was Chief Minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy and his family members who got benefited from setting up of SEZs. Thousands of small and marginal farmers were displaced by the SEZs, he said.

Resuming his election campaign from Venkatagiri on the second day of his district tour, Balakrishna said the TDP would announce a relief package for the debt-ridden weavers due to the crisis in handloom sector. Yarn and raw material would be supplied to weavers at 20 per cent subsidy as part of the relief package, he said.

Addressing roadshows at Chennur, Gudur and Manubolu, he expressed concern over increase in atrocities against women in the Congress regime. The TDP would initiate tough measures to prevent atrocities against women, he said.

Speaking at Muthukur, where fishermen are predominant, he accused the State Government of ignoring the rehabilitation of the displaced fisherfolks while setting up SEZs and mega thermal power stations at Krishnapatnam.

The TDP leader was accorded a rousing welcome at all the places. Elated over the good turnout at the roadshows, Balakrishna made a blistering attack on the Congress and warned that the State would turn into a graveyard if the party comes to power again. Before entering Nellore town late in the evening, he addressed meetings at Venkatachalam and Kakupalli.

TDP leaders S Chandramohan Reddy, Saikrishna Yacheendra and others took part in the campaign.