AIKS in Andhra Pradesh Gears Up for Battle Against Massive Land Acquisition for Amaravati Outer Ring Road

Amaravati: The Andhra Pradesh Rythu Sangham (AIKS) has announced it is preparing for an organised struggle against the proposed large-scale land acquisition for the Amaravati Outer Ring Road (ORR) Project, accusing the TDP state government of pursuing the project in full connivance with the BJP-led central government.

The proposed ORR is a 189-km-long, 250-metre-wide corridor — a significant expansion from the originally planned width of 70 metres. The project is estimated to cost Rs 24,790 crore. Over 10,000 acres of agricultural land is to be acquired from peasants across 121 villages in 23 mandals spread over five districts — Guntur, Krishna, NTR, Palnadu, and Eluru. Farmers have strongly objected to the proposed compensation, which they say falls far short of actual market value.

An AIKS delegation — comprising National President Dr Ashok Dhawale, State President V. Krishnaiah, State General Secretary K. Prabhakar Reddy, district secretary K. Ajay Kumar, district vice president M. Sivasambi Reddy, and AIARWU district secretary E. Appa Rao — visited Gudivada, one of the affected villages in Guntur district, to assess the ground situation.

Farmers, including several women, expressed deep anguish over the impending land acquisition. Small and marginal landholders were particularly distressed, as many stand to lose their entire landholdings. The delegation also conducted a field visit to inspect plots earmarked for acquisition. AIKS leadership pledged full and active support to the affected peasants in their fight for justice.

The organisation convened a gathering of affected farmers on April 21 to chart the next course of action. AIKS has indicated that further steps in the agitation are being carefully planned