CPM flays State, Central govts over SCS

Eluru: Activists of CPM staged a dharna at Powerpet Railway Station here on Wednesday, demanding that the Centre accord Special Category Status (SCS) to Andhra Pradesh. In response to a call given by CPM State committee, the CPM activists rallied to Powerpet Railway Station here in the morning and staged a dharna.

Addressing the dharna, the CPM district committee member, B Somaiah alleged that the BJP and TDP had cheated Andhra Pradesh by ignoring the assurances given during the election campaign. He stated that the BJP had assured that if it was voted to power, it would give 15 years SCS to the State. However, both TDP and BJP have forgotten the promises made and not implemented the assurances mentioned in the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act.

He criticised the ruling TDP for its adjustment with the Special Package instead of the SCS. He said that over the last four years, no assurance was implemented and funds were not released to the state. “It is ridiculous on the part of TDP by saying the Centre did not give the package funds after four years,” he criticised. He demanded that the Centre take up the Polavaram project instead of the State and sanction special fund to North Andhra and Rayalaseema.

The CPM city secretary, P Kishore presided over the dharna. The district committee members Gudipati Narasimha Rao, Mavuri Srinivasa Rao, party leaders P Adiseshu, Chintada Lakshmi, Kandi Viswanadham, Ch Bharath participated in the dharna.

Meanwhile, the CPM activists also staged a dharna at BSNL office and post offices in Bhimavaram on Wednesday. The CPI leaders extended solidarity to the agitation. CPM district secretariat member BV Varma presided over the dharna.