CPI(M) senior leader Ch. Babu Rao on Thursday said the TDP government put Vijayawada on sale by gradually selling several government properties to private entrepreneurs.
Addressing the media here, Mr. Babu Rao said, in the name of development, the government was promoting tourism and prime properties were being given away on a platter to private parties.
“People thought the government will develop Vijayawada as a capital city, but the government is not keen on this pursuit. Metro rail project is in a limbo and construction of the flyover at Kanaka Durga temple is progressing at a snail’s pace. Work on the Krishna Lanka subway is yet to commence,” he alleged.
Mr. Babu Rao said 49 acres of land right in the heart of the city and worth ₹3,500 crore had been allotted to private parties as the Chief Minister had given the nod and the corporators agreed to it in the council meeting.
He said, along with Swaraj Maidan (20 acres), facilities such as State Guest House, DGP’s office, Rajiv Gandhi Park, wholesale market, electricity sub-station, Vijayawada council hall, and corporation office had been given away to private parties for being sprucing up as star hotels, amusement parks, convention centres, retail malls, high streets and exhibitions.
Mr. Rao said development was not selling properties.
He said it was unfortunate that places associated with the people for centuries had been demolished in the name of development.