Hyderabad, December 12
Chief Minister Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy has announced today that he was surrendering 618 acres of family land in native Pulivendula in Kadapa district under the Land Ceiling Act.

Speaking to reporters on the Assembly premises, Mr Reddy said that he had written to the Kadapa Collector on Monday to take over the excess lands, after he had to come to know that the land holding contravened provisions of the Act.

The move, however, is being widely seen here as a prelude to confiscate lands from Ramoji Film City, the world renowned studio facility on the outskirts of Hyderabad.

On Monday, the Congress Legislature Party alleged that media baron Ramoji Rao and family members owned 1997 acres of land against provisions in ceiling laws.

“After it came to my notice that the ownership of our family lands was not in accordance with existing laws, I got the issue examined by legal experts. I have now written to the Collector to take control of these lands in accordance with law,” Mr Reddy said.

Asked whether Ramoji Rao should also give up his lands, the Chief Minister said all were equal before law. “We want all those who own lands in excess of ceiling laws to voluntarily give them up,” he quipped.

He said he had ‘sentimental attachment’ with the Pulivendula lands, as he always stayed at the farm whenever he visited his constituency during the last many decades. “Our family still has some 100 acres, where I can continue to stay”, he added.

The opposition parties lambasted the Chief Minister on his move, questioning his motives behind the gesture. TDP leader N Janardhan Reddy demanded prosecution of the Chief Minister for holding the excess lands for years now.

The TRS Legislature Party leader G Vijaya Ramarao said that action should be taken against Mr Reddy for violating land laws. The Communist Parties also demanded explanation as to how the Chief Minister enjoyed the lands all these years.