Sun Feb 01 13:26:45 UTC 2026: ### Headline: Visakhapatnam MP Sribharat Denies Land Alienation Allegations by YSRCP

The Story:

Visakhapatnam MP M. Sribharat refuted allegations made by YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) leaders, including party president Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, regarding the alleged illegal alienation of government land at Rushikonda to GITAM University. Sribharat, who is also the president of GITAM University, dismissed the claims as factually incorrect and accused the YSRCP of spreading misinformation against the educational institution. The allegations center around 54.79 acres of land and its purported value.

Sribharat countered the YSRCP’s valuation of ₹5,000 crore, stating that the land was previously part of the Rajiv Swagruha housing project and later auctioned at prices between ₹60,000 and ₹65,000 per square yard, valuing the land at approximately ₹1,000 crore. He further highlighted that during the YSRCP’s tenure, similar land was allotted to an international school at a rate of only ₹1 crore per acre. He also defended GITAM’s role during the COVID-19 pandemic when its medical institute was designated as a district COVID hospital.

Key Points:

  • M. Sribharat, Visakhapatnam MP and GITAM University president, denies YSRCP allegations of illegal land alienation.
  • The YSRCP claims 54.79 acres of land proposed for alienation to GITAM is worth ₹5,000 crore.
  • Sribharat argues the land’s value is closer to ₹1,000 crore, based on previous auction data from 2022 to May 2024.
  • He highlights that the YSRCP government allotted land to an international school at ₹1 crore per acre in 2023.
  • Sribharat defends GITAM’s role as a COVID-19 hospital during the pandemic, designated by the YSRCP government.

Critical Analysis:

The related context reveals an environment of political turmoil and accusations. The arrests and attacks on YSRCP leaders like Ambati Rambabu, coupled with his criticisms of CM Naidu, suggest a highly charged political climate. This environment likely fuels the YSRCP’s allegations against GITAM, potentially as a means to discredit the current government or its allies. Sribharat’s forceful response can be interpreted as a pre-emptive defense against potentially damaging political attacks.

Key Takeaways:

  • The land dispute is likely intertwined with the ongoing political rivalry between the ruling party and the YSRCP in Andhra Pradesh.
  • The differing valuations of the land are a key point of contention and could be subject to further investigation and scrutiny.
  • GITAM University’s reputation and future expansion plans are at stake in this controversy.
  • The use of Covid era support as a validation of GITAM’s integrity highlights how past actions can be leveraged in current disputes.
  • This incident underscores the importance of transparency in land allocation and government support for educational institutions.

Impact Analysis:

This controversy could have several long-term implications:

  • Political Polarization: The allegations and counter-allegations will likely further exacerbate the political divide between the ruling party and the YSRCP in Andhra Pradesh.
  • Investment Climate: Such disputes can potentially deter investment in the region if businesses fear being caught in political crossfires.
  • GITAM’s Future: The controversy could impact GITAM University’s ability to expand and attract students and faculty if its reputation is damaged.
  • Policy Review: The event may trigger a review of land allocation policies to ensure transparency and fairness.

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