CPI(M) leaders continue indefinite fast in hospital

Hyderabad, Mar 20: CPI(M)'s Andhra Pradesh secretary BV Raghavulu and three other party leaders today continued their indefinite fast on the issues of dalit and tribal welfare in the hospital after being forcibly shifted by police.

CPI state secretary K Narayana and other leaders called on Raghavulu, G Nagaiah, S Veeraiah and Midiam Babu Rao at the state-run Gandhi hospital here where they were admitted.

Police shifted the fasting leaders last night from Indira Park where they have been on indefinite fast from Mar 17.

Condemning the forcible shifting of the leaders, several other CPI(M) leaders today demanded that the government address the about 50 issues raised by the party or quit.

The CPI(M) workers held protests in Hyderabad and elsewhere in the state against the police action. The CPI(M) and various people's organisations have called for a Chalo Hyderabad on Mar 22.

Their demands include introduction of a special scheme for development of dalit and tribal localities, bringing in a special law for implementation of the sub-plan for SC/STs, effective implementation of forest rights act, lifting of cases registered by forest department against tribals, payment of compensation to those affected by Polavaram irrigation project and return of their lands.

Other demands include appointment of members and chairman for SC/ST commission, provision of identity cards for tenant farmers, regulation of micro-finance companies, and PDS ration cards for all eligible applicants.

PTI