CPM tells CM to explore KG basin for AP growth

Vijayawada: State CPI (M) Secretary P Madhu came down heavily on the BJP-led NDA Government at the Centre and the Telugu Desam Party regime in the State for pursuing policies favouring the corporate houses, ignoring the welfare of the common people and working class.

Speaking at the preparatory meeting for the CPI (M) 24th State convention here on Friday, he alleged that Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu was pursuing the same policy of the previous Congress regime on exploration of the KG basin, which has rich reserves of gas. The Chief Minister should focus on augmenting supply of LPG as domestic consumers were facing severe shortage of cooking gas in the State in recent times, he said.

The CPI (M) leader condemned the foisting of criminal cases against the party activists in West Godavari district for organising protests demanding implementation of the loan waiver and other promises made by the Telugu Desam Party during the time of elections.

CPM State Committee Member Y Venkateswara Rao said the new sand mining policy of the TDP Government had failed to rein in the sand mafia, which was still ruling the roost in the State, and the rate of Rs 650 fixed by the State Government per cubic metre of sand was prohibitive. He lashed out at the opposition YSR Congress for its `failure' to expose the TDP Government’s misdeeds despite its `failures' on various fronts.

Later, the meeting discussed arrangements to be made for the party State convention to be held in the city on February 8 and 9 next year. CPM national committee member P Ramaiah, district secretary R Raghu, city secretary Ch Babu Rao, freedom fighter Vemulapalli Vamana Rao and others were present.