CPI (M) opposes government's move to allot RTC land to Lulu Group
CPI (M) State secretariat member Ch. Babu Rao termed the move 'highly condemnable' and urged the government to immediately withdraw the plan.
Addressing a press conference in Sattenapalli of Palnadu district on the occasion of the party's Palnadu district-wide meeting, Mr. Babu Rao criticized the government's proposal to allot RTC land worth over ₹400 crore to the Lulu Group. He described it as a blow to the interests of the public and the RTC, which plays a crucial role in providing affordable transport to the common people.
The CPI (M) emphasized that instead of weakening the RTC, the government should be focusing on strengthening the public transport corporation by offering financial support and infrastructure development.
Mr. Babu Rao condemned the coalition National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government's policy of transferring valuable public assets to big corporations under the pretext of development, stating that such actions jeopardize public services.
The proposed site for the mall already houses two RTC depots and plays a vital role in public transportation. Transferring this land to Lulu Group for a mall would not only disrupt RTC operations but also severely impact public transit in the region. At a time when the government is acquiring land from private individuals for metro and other mass transport projects, handing over government-owned RTC land to private companies is unjust, he said.
Mr. Babu Rao accused the ruling coalition of surrendering to the interests of multinational giants by weakening public sector enterprises. He cited examples of large corporations like Reliance, Metro, D-Mart, and Walmart entering the retail sector and displacing small and medium traders. Such developments have led to the closure of numerous small businesses and the loss of livelihoods, he said.
The CPI (M) leader urged the government to reconsider its decision and instead use the valuable RTC land for public transport and people-oriented infrastructure. 'If the government proceeds with allocating RTC land to Lulu Group, the CPI (M) will launch a strong public movement in collaboration with city residents,' he warned. 'Let us protect RTC, let us protect small and medium traders.'
Mr. Babu Rao concluded by affirming the CPI (M)'s commitment to defending public assets and supporting local enterprises, demanding that the government abandon its pro-corporate agenda in favour of a more inclusive and equitable development model.
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