AMARAVATI: It was a day of celebrations for all following the high court's judgement on Amaravati. While the local farmers, who waged a long legal battle and were protesting for the last two years, were jubilant, all opposition parties and peoples' organisations welcomed the verdict.
The farmers of the 29 villages, who had given away their land for the capital, burst crackers and distributed sweets. They held victory marches in the villages shouting 'Jai Amaravati' slogans. A few farmers reached the high court and saluted the court buildings. "It is a victory for our struggle. It is a victory of each and every farmer of the 29 villages in the capital city area," said Siva Reddy, Amaravati JAC chairman.
State BJP president Somu Veeraju said the party was always against three capitals. "The government should now continue with Amaravati as the capital. It should utilise the funds given by the central government and develop a world class capital," he said.
The Left parties welcomed the verdict. CPI secretary K Ramakrishna urged the state government to develop Amaravati as the only capital of Andhra Pradesh. CPM leader Ch Babu Rao said the hard work of Amaravati farmers has paid off. "The government should stop wasting time and start working on developing Amaravati as directed by the court," he said.
The Jana Sena demanded an open apology from the chief minister. "Chief minister Jagan Mohan Reddy should come forward and tender an open apology to the people of the state and the farmers of Amaravati villages for hurting their sentiments for more than 800 days," party leader Nadendla Manohar demanded.
TDP leader and former minister Yanamala Ramakrishnudu urged the government to not go for appeal against the high court order. "Start working to develop Amaravati as the capital of the state. Two years of precious time has already been wasted. Investments have gone from the state causing heavy loss," he said.
Amaravati JAC woman leader Sunkara Padmasree said the three capitals proposal was childish. "Amaravati is the lifeline for the state. Justice has been delivered to the farmers after two years. The government should now start applying its mind and think of developing Amaravati as capital," she said.
