Jana Sena Party president and Andhra Pradesh deputy chief minister Pawan Kalyan has become increasingly active in recent weeks, particularly in governance and administrative oversight.
During the cabinet meetings, he has been openly raising questions with chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu on various policy and administrative matters.
He has also been seeking explanations over complaints related to the performance of legislators, signalling an effort to correct shortcomings within the ruling alliance.
During the collector’s conference on Thursday, Pawan Kalyan expressed strong concern over the growing influence of land mafia networks in Andhra Pradesh, particularly in Visakhapatnam and parts of North Andhra.
He warned that groups which had earlier encroached upon valuable lands in Hyderabad are now shifting their operations to Andhra Pradesh.
He urged the chief minister to take immediate steps to curb land mafia activities and initiate action against political leaders allegedly backing such illegal operations.
He specifically called for protecting land assets in the North Andhra region. He pointed out that North Andhra districts are witnessing rapid development, with the inflow of industries and IT companies.
“As a result, land prices in districts such as Visakhapatnam and Vizianagaram have surged sharply. Taking advantage of this boom, land mafia groups are allegedly attempting to grab prime lands,” he said, citing concerns raised by local residents.
Referring to past instances, Pawan Kalyan stated that land mafia activities had once spiralled out of control in Hyderabad and that some of those networks have now reportedly established a base in Visakhapatnam, attempting large-scale encroachments.
He urged the government to respond decisively and clamp down on land grabbers without delay. In response, Naidu reportedly clarified that the TDP, Jana Sena, and BJP would not interfere in land disputes.
However, he assured that strict action would be taken against land encroachers and that no complaint would be ignored.
The chief minister further stated that old land records would be thoroughly examined and those found responsible would face stringent action.
He also warned that political parties, individuals, or professional litigants interfering in land disputes would not be spared.
After Naidu’s response, Pawan Kalyan once again reiterated his concerns, alleging that certain leaders have set their sights on lands in North Andhra and are deliberately creating disputes by entering land dealings.
He noted that such cases are particularly prevalent in the Visakhapatnam zone. Acting on these concerns, Naidu directed officials to take firm action against land encroachment and illegal land transactions.