Reiterating its demand for the setting up of a steel plant by the government in the district in place of the scrapped Brahmani Steels, the All-India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) on Sunday announced a series of agitations to mount pressure on the government in this regard.
AITUC state general secretary G Obulesu told media that the then Chief Minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy had announced in 2007 that the Brahmani Steels with a production capacity of one lakh tonne steel would be completed in 18 months. “Jammalamadugu MLA C Adinarayana Reddy and his brother MLC C Narayana Reddy were also present when Rajasekhara Reddy made the announcement. The duo, who are in different parties, now are making contradictory statements over the plant,” Obulesu said and questioned as to whether the brothers were not aware of the steel plant promoter Gali Janardhan Reddy exporting iron ore meant for the plant to other countries from the Krishnapatnam port.
Obulesu said they would meet the Chief Minister on May 18 or 19 over this issue. CPI district secretary G Eshwaraiah said they would launch a relay fast from May 13 to 6 in front of the Collectorate. They will take up a state-wide signature campaign on May 13, organise round table on May 14, stage rasta rokos on May 15 and public meeting on May 16.