Ramesh vows to continue fast

Kadapa: Rajya Sabha member CM Ramesh categorically stated that there was no question of him withdrawing his hunger strike as he had prepared to sacrifice his life for the cause of steel plant in Kadapa district. He demanded that the Central government announce a  positive decision on establishment of steel plant in the district.

The indefinite fast by the Rajya Sabha member along with MLC B.Tech Ravi entered sixth day on Monday. A team of doctors, which checked him on Monday, warned him about his deteriorating health condition. He replied that he was lucky to have the opportunity to stage hunger strike in the interests of the people of Kadapa district as they had made him Rajya Sabha member two times. 

He asked his family members not to worry about his health condition and he would definitely live till the Central government takes a positive decision. He stated that for the couple of days, some MPs requested him over  phone to withdraw his stir.  

While reacting to the comments of former Karnataka minister Gali Janardhan Reddy that he was ready to start the Bramhani Steel if the Central government extended its support, Ramesh said that he did not have any objection if the Centre accepted such proposal. 

“I want steel plant for my people. I have no objection whoever establish it. During the regime of Rajasekhar Reddy, 10,000 acre was provided for Bramhani Steels. There are all  facilities like water, rail connectivity , iron ore  and national highways. If Gali Janardhan Reddy is really committed to establish steel plant,  I too will extend my support in the interest of Kadapa people. My ultimate goal is to achieve steel plant,” he said.  

He appealed the students to join the agitation as he had taken such extreme step with the aim of providing employment to them. Meanwhile, on Monday TDP leaders including ministers K S Jawahar, C Adinarayana Reddy MLC Ravindranath Reddy, former MP Kambampati Rammohan, AP Planning Board vice- president Ch Kutumba Rao and other leaders visited the fast camp and expressed their solidarity.

Speaking on the occasion,  Kutumba Rao said Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan tried to divert the attention of people over steel plant at the behest of BJP and the Prime Minister. He recalled that earlier his brother Chiranjeevi sold the Praja Rajyam party wholesale to Congress, now Pawan is also in the same process.