Controversy Erupts in Kakinada Over Alleged Land Grab for Private Hotel Project
Gujjula demands to save Ayurvedic College land in Kakinada
Gujjula Eswaraiah, State Secretary of the Communist Party of India (CPI) of Andhra Pradesh unit has demanded Andhra Pradesh State government for immediate intervention to prevent the alienation of prime government land in Kakinada. In a letter addressed to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu, he asked to focus on a 7-acre plot adjacent to the Chidiga Government Girls Polytechnic campus, which has become the center of a heated land dispute.
The Ayurvedic Project at Risk
Eswaraiah highlighted that a 50-bed Ayurvedic Hospital has already been completed on 2 acres of this land at a cost of ₹5 crore. To ensure the facility’s effectiveness and meet regulatory norms, an Ayurvedic Medical and Nursing College must be constructed on the remaining 5 acres. He said that Kakinada MP Tangella Uday Srinivas has sanctioned Rs 70 crore for the college. At least Rs 7 crore must be utilized by the March 31st deadline to prevent the lapse of funds. Despite the hospital’s completion, it remains unopened, and college construction is stalled due to external interference.
Allegations of Land Grabbing and “Dark Deals”
The core of the controversy involves G.O. No. 17, issued by the Tourism Department. This order reportedly allots 3.50 acres of the site—valued at approximately ₹200 crore—to former Pithapuram MLA S.V.S.N. Varma. While the land was ostensibly granted for a “5-Star Taj Hotel,” Eswaraiah pointed out that the Taj Group has made no such announcement. He characterized the move as a “political maneuver” to convert public assets into a private function hall or convention center.
The core of the controversy involves G.O. No. 17, issued by the Tourism Department. This order reportedly allots 3.50 acres of the site—valued at approximately Rs 200 crore—to former Pithapuram MLA S.V.S.N. Varma. While the land was ostensibly granted for a “5-Star Taj Hotel,” Eswaraiah pointed out that the Taj Group has made no such announcement. He characterized the move as a “political maneuver” to convert public assets into a private function hall or convention center.
Furthermore, Eswaraiah condemned a secondary plan to shift the proposed medical college to Pithapuram. This move would involve seizing land currently registered as house sites for 240 low-income families, which he described as a “dark deal” that prioritizes private commercial interests over the rights of the poor and public healthcare.
Call to Action
On behalf of the All-Party Kakinada Ayurvedic College Struggle Committee, Eswaraiah demanded the immediate cancellation of G.O. No. 17. He warned that the committee is prepared to launch large-scale protests and agitations until the government protects these assets from encroachment. He insisted that the Ayurvedic College be built adjacent to the existing hospital, as originally planned, to serve the genuine interests of the public.
Principal Correspondent, Prime Post
CS Kulasekhar Reddy had thirty five years experience in journalism. He worked in Udayam and Andhra Bhoomi as reporter and sub-editor. He highlighted various social issues in Chitthoor, Ananthpur, Kadapa and Kurnool districts. He covered assembly sessions and Secretariat happenings.
