VIJAYAWADA: The CPM has called for Kadapa bandh on June 29 in protest against the BJP-led NDA government for “denying” steel plant to Kadapa district by allegedly stating that it is not financially viable. The CPM and other Left parties will take out protest rallies across the State on the day.
Speaking it to reporters here on Tuesday, CPM state secretary P Madhu said steel plant was one of the provisions of the AP Reorganisation Act. “With regard to special category status, the BJP-led NDA government claimed that it was not part of the AP Reorganisation Act. Then, what about steel plant, what about separate railway zone and seaport ?” he questioned.
The CPM has decided to intensify the agitation for special category status and take out a three-month protest campaign across the State along with CPI and other Left parties.
“The campaign will commence from tomorrow after a meeting of CPI and CPM national leaders for chalking out the political strategy for coming days and continue till September 15,” he said.
During the campaign, people will be explained how the TDP government in the State and BJP-led NDA government at the Centre have failed to fulfil the promises to the State for the last four years, he said.
“Living conditions of the people, particularly farmers and working class, is deteriorating day by day. The governments, which failed to ensure minimum support price for agriculture produce, leave alone remunerative prices, have now put an additional burden on them in the form of taxes on diesel and fertilizers,” he said.
“The promised loans to tenant farmers were not materialised till date and the NREGS wages are pending for the farmhands. Most importantly the MGNREGS funds are being diverted for other purposes. Workers in the unorganised sector are not getting minimum wages,” Madhu said.
The CPM leader stressed the need for a State-wide campaign against the crime against women, particularly minor girls, on the lines of pulse polio campaign and stricter implementation of the existing laws.
Madhu also found fault with Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu’s attitude in dealing with Nayee Brahmins. Expressing concern over the increasing pollution in canals across Vijayawada, he demanded that the government set up more Sewage treatment plants.