Join movement against Pharma unit: Raghavulu

CPM leader accuses State government of supporting vested interests
Finds fault with district Collector for supporting the State government

Tondangi (East Godavari): Veteran CPM leader and party politburo member BV Raghavulu called upon the farming community of Danavaipeta and the surrounding areas to join hands together and fight the establishment against the setting up of Divis Pharma in Tondangi Mandal.

Addressing a public meet at Danavaipeta in Tondangi Mandal of East Godavari on Saturday, he accused State Finance Minister Yanamala Ramakrishnudu and Deputy Chief Minister N Chinarajappa of working against the poor and marginalised farmers of the area and supporting vested interests.

“How can they jeopardise the livelihoods of the poor farmers who are mainly dependent on cultivation and the majority of whom, eke out a living as farm hands?” questioned Raghavulu. He objected to the eviction of farmers from their lands by the government using the police and district administration.

Raghavulu also found fault with District Collector H Arun Kumar for supporting the State government in its endeavour. “As a constitutional representative, he (Arun Kumar) ought not to have taken sides,” said Raghavulu.

The senior leader accused the police of foisting false cases on farmers in a bid to intimidate them. He advised farmers to file cases against the police at different police stations and observe the latter’s reaction.

Stating that the united fight put up by the locals of Srikakulam against the proposed nuclear power plant there had resulted in the authorities bowing down to their wishes, Raghavulu said a similar result was possible in Tondangi mandal also.

IFTU leader J Venkateswarlu, CPM East Godavari secretary Duvva Seshu Babji and others spoke on the occasion. Police ersonnel were present in large numbers at the meeting to prevent any untoward incidents.