Why Andhra Pradesh's Land Titling Act has stirred up political storm in poll-bound state

The Act was initially passed in September 2022, and it was brought into the spotlight by Chandrababu Naidu, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leader, who branded it the "Land Grabbing Act".

The AP Land Titling Act of 2023 has become a focal point for discussion in Andhra Pradesh politics. The legislation has sparked allegations, counter-claims, and concerns among voters. It has become a potent symbol in the ongoing electoral competition, with political rivals using its implications to gain support.

The Act was initially passed in September 2022, and it was brought into the spotlight by Chandrababu Naidu, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leader, who branded it the "Land Grabbing Act". Naidu's campaign has been marked by dramatic gestures, such as tearing up land revenue passbooks at public rallies, symbolically rejecting the government's authority over private lands. These actions resonate deeply with voters, stirring up fears of government overreach and loss of property.

This political move addresses a broader issue of distrust towards the government's handling of land records, which is still fresh following the controversies surrounding Telangana's Dharani portal. The portal was criticised for being inaccurate and lacking transparency, significantly influencing the Congress party's success in Telangana's neighbouring elections. Naidu hopes to channel similar discontent towards the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), led by Chief Minister Jaganmohan Reddy, by suggesting that his administration's policies could lead to widespread dispossession.

The YSRCP is defending the Land Titling Act, claiming it will improve transparency and protect land rights. They argue that the TDP's claims are misleading and harmful, as they shake people's trust in a system designed to modernize and secure land transactions. The government points out that the central government and Niti Aayog support the Act based on a national model intended to reduce litigation and clarify land titles.

The controversy over the Act is not just a verbal argument; it also represents starkly contrasting views on the future of land governance in Andhra Pradesh. The YSRCP accuses Naidu and his allies, including Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan, of politicising the issue and hindering the state's development. On the other hand, they highlight the progress made in surveying land, a critical step in implementing the Act, and claim that its full benefits have yet to be realized. This divergence of opinions underscores the complexity of the issue and the need for a comprehensive understanding of the political dynamics at play.

Automated phone calls urging voters to support Naidu to protect their lands have prompted the Election Commission to intervene, reflecting the significance of the issue and the intense emotions attached to it. Both parties are now running full-fledged campaigns to win public support, with the YSRCP planning to counteract negative perceptions through extensive advertising and public outreach.

The Revenue Minister, Dharmana Prasada Rao, has been actively addressing the concerns raised by the opposition regarding a new land ownership legislation. Speaking to the people of Srikakulam, Rao emphasized that the law complies with both the Supreme Court's guidelines and the Union government's directives. This legislation aims to strengthen land ownership and attract investment to the state. He also reassured the public that the Act has yet to be fully implemented, and the completion of a comprehensive land survey and inter-state consensus is still pending.

On the other hand, the YSR Congress's state general secretary, Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy, has accused opposition leaders, particularly Chandrababu Naidu and Pawan Kalyan, opposed the Act to protect their illicit interests. Reddy welcomed the investigation into Naidu's alleged spread of misinformation regarding the Act. He believes this investigation shows the government's determination to counteract what it regards as a smear campaign.

Meanwhile, at a rally in Annamayya district, Naidu painted a bleak picture of the Act's potential misuse under Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy's administration. He suggested that no one, not even party loyalists, would be safe from the government's reach. Naidu's assertions aim to create a fear that the Act could be used against landowners, regardless of their affiliations.

The controversy surrounding the AP Land Titling Act has been gaining momentum. Retired IAS officer P.V. Ramesh's testimony has further fueled the debate. He claimed that his family's land rights were denied even before the official enactment of the Act. His story has been shared widely on social media, highlighting the concerns of landowners facing bureaucratic overreach and adding a personal touch to the debate.

In response to these allegations, the office of the Chief Electoral Officer has tasked the Crime Investigation Department (CID) with investigating the TDP's campaign tactics. This includes using paid IVR calls that supposedly spread false claims about the Act. The seriousness with which these allegations are being treated indicates that the integrity of the electoral process and the public's trust in governmental initiatives are at risk.

The unfolding drama surrounding the AP Land Titling Act reflects a broader narrative about governance, transparency, and political integrity in Andhra Pradesh. As both sides of the political aisle navigate through this tumultuous landscape, the electorate is left to sift through conflicting messages to seek clarity amidst the political rhetoric. The outcome of this debate and the subsequent electoral response will not only determine the future of the Act but also shape the political destiny of the region for years to come.

As the election approaches, the tension surrounding this legislative measure serves as a litmus test for democratic engagement and the resilience of institutional trust among the citizens of Andhra Pradesh.