Amaravati, Jan 30 (NationPress) YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) MP P. Mithun Reddy declared his intent to vigorously challenge the false claims of forest land encroachment made against his family by the coalition government in Andhra Pradesh.

The Lok Sabha representative from Rajampet accused the TDP-led government of engaging in vindictive political tactics through a smear campaign.

In a press conference held in Delhi on Thursday, he stated that it has become routine for Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and his allied media to target YSRCP leaders. “Our family is being falsely accused of encroaching upon forest land. This is an outright fabrication,” asserted Mithun Reddy.

His remarks followed allegations directed at his father, former minister P. Ramachandra Reddy, claiming he illegally acquired forest land in Pulicherla mandal of Chittoor district.

Refuting the claims, he asserted they possess all relevant documents and clearances from the appropriate authorities. He contended that the TDP and its supporting media have been disseminating false allegations devoid of substantial evidence.

According to Mithun Reddy, the family purchased the land in 2001, and a Gazette issued in 1968 confirms it is not classified as forest land. The land was acquired at a rate of Rs 4 lakh per acre, totaling Rs 3 crore.

“Mr. Chandrababu Naidu, who originates from our own Chittoor district and shares a political history with our father, has resorted to vindictive politics,” he remarked.

The YSRCP MP insisted that the coalition should substantiate their allegations regarding the land title; otherwise, they must issue an apology. “Such despicable tactics will not dissuade us; we will return with renewed vigor to confront the coalition for spreading such falsehoods. Previously, they leveled false accusations against us regarding the Madanapalle files issue, which were never proven,” he stated.

Ramachandra Reddy, who serves as the YSRCP MLA for Punganur, has already dismissed the allegations, labeling them an “orchestrated negative campaign.”

The former minister maintained that the 75 acres of private property were purchased in 2001. He claimed that the Director of Settlements, in 1981, identified the land as “not forest land.” He added that the road leading to his estate, although situated within the forest, was constructed with the approval of the Central government.

Meanwhile, YSRCP Chittoor District President and former TTD Chairman Bhumana Karunakar Reddy stated on Thursday that the accusations against Ramachandra Reddy are entirely unfounded and politically charged.

He strongly denounced the false reports disseminated by a segment of the media alleging illegal forest land encroachment by Ramachandra Reddy.