CPM asks govt to give up rigid stand on Gangavaram

Visakhaatnam, May 19 (UNI) CPI (M) Politburo Member B V Raghavulu today asked the Andhra government to give up its rigid stand on the Gangavaram Port project and revive talks to hammer out an acceptable package for the affected fishermen.

Addressing fisherfolk at Gangavaram here, he expressed his solidarity with their struggle for a rehabilitation package and sought the unconditional release of fishermen and political activists lodged in jail on various charges.

He said the state should immediately invite representatives of the Gangavaram Matsyakarula Aikya Vedika (fishermen's forum) for a dialogue.

Mr Raghavulu alleged that earlier talks failed due to the pro-management stand adopted by Commercial Taxes Minister K Ramakrishna.

During the next Assembly session, the Left parties will raise the Gangavaram, Polavaram and Othireddypadu issues, he said.

He also demanded the government make public the MoU signed with the Jindal Group for an aluminum plant in the agency area and the clearances given by the Ministry of Forests and Environment for the project.

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