Andhra Pradesh Faces Uproar Over LuLu Group Land Allotment for Mega Malls

The Andhra Pradesh government's decision to allot prime public land in Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam to the UAE-based LuLu Group for constructing mega shopping malls has sparked widespread controversy. Opposition parties, including CPI(M) and YSRCP, along with public transport employees and local activists, are protesting the move, citing concerns over privatization, loss of public assets, and negative impacts on small traders. The land in question includes valuable RTC (public transport) depot sites, with critics alleging the deal could harm local businesses and represents a 'massive scam.' The government argues the project will create thousands of jobs, but opponents demand the plan be scrapped and threaten state-wide agitation if it proceeds. The issue has ignited a heated debate about public land use, transparency, and the balance between development and local interests.