In a world where even beggars scoff at a single rupee, the Andhra Pradesh government has allegedly discovered the secret recipe for economic miracles: prime government land at the mouth-watering rate of 99 paise. Yes, you read that right—less than the price of a toffee, or a Mint-O Fresh!
According to recent reports, 21.16 acres of land in Hill No. 3, Visakhapatnam, worth crores in market value, was allocated to a reputed private company for a grand total of… wait for it… 99 paise.
Social media, predictably, has erupted into a frenzy of memes, mockery, and moral outrage. Netizens, armed with their digital pitchforks and a pocket full of change, are now jokingly wondering:
“I have ₹100 in coins—can I buy the rest of Vizag?”
Adding more spice to the satirical stew is senior journalist Jaffer, whose viral video is now doing the rounds across platforms. In the now-trending clip, Jaffer walks up to a fisherman, hands him ₹1, and asks for fish. The puzzled man responds, “What can I give for one rupee, sir?” To which Jaffer quips, “If the government can give 21 acres for 99 paise, why can’t you give me fish?”
He then tries his luck with a fruit vendor and a general store owner—each reacting with equal disbelief at his ₹1 offer. One shopkeeper hands him a pair of empty palms, stating, “Here’s what you get for one rupee—nothing.” The sarcasm writes itself.
The opposition and social activists aren’t buying the “visionary investment” narrative. They’re demanding accountability, asking whether state assets should be handed out like “pappu-bellam” (peanuts and jaggery) at a village fair. Critics argue this move devalues not just land, but the very trust of the public.
Meanwhile, back online, satire continues to sizzle. One user wrote, “If I show up with exact change, can I buy the Secretariat?” Another added, “I just paid ₹2 for parking. Should’ve asked for a plot instead.”
And Jaffer? He wraps up his video sitting beside a table full of coins, declaring:
“With this chillar (change), I’m going to buy all of Visakhapatnam. Maybe even a few hills.”
Honestly, at 99 paise per plot, who wouldn’t?
Moral of the story?
In today’s Andhra Pradesh, you can’t buy a chocolate for a rupee, but apparently, you can get a piece of Vizag. Just bring exact change.
