CPM opposes handing over VMC land to gas company

Vijayawada: Keeping in view of the forthcoming council meeting of the municipal corporation on August 13, CPM leader Donepudi Kasinath said here on Friday that the party would continue its fight for the development of the city and the decisions to be taken at the council meeting should consider the development of the city only.

Addressing newsmen at Sri Sri Bhavan, Kasinath said that a glance at the agenda of the municipal corporation council meeting disclosed that there would be attempts to hand over the properties and land of the corporation to the individuals. Regretting that the ruling party members included the proposals in the agenda, he demanded them to withdraw the proposals immediately.

The ruling party had increased the tax burden on people during the last four years and suddenly some of the ruling party members are now demanding to reduce the tax burden, he said and added that people would understand their motive behind the proposals. “The ruling party has increased the taxes by 28 per cent and is now proposing to reduce by seven per cent,” he ridiculed the proposal.

He said that the CPM would demand in the council meeting to collect the water charge of Rs 50 and drainage charge of Rs 80 like in the past. Kasinath recalled that Bhagyanagar Gas Limited had already been handed over 3,000 square yards land at Budameru Katta and efforts are on to hand over some more land at Priyadarsini Colony, Labbipet and Kandrika and other areas. “How could the corporation hand over such valuable land to the gas company?” He wanted to know.

He lambasted the MLAs for not striving to bring funds from the state government for the development of the city. Referring to the Mayor’s contention that the municipal corporation is in deep debt of Rs 315 crore, he said that the MLAs are not taking any action. Moreover, they are eagerly looking forward to usurp the corporation properties and lands, he added.

The council is not taking any action to repair the bridges at Madhuranagar, Alankar and others though they are in a dilapidated condition, he said. CPM floor leader G Adilakshmi and former corporation Satyababu were also present.