Latest news with #CPMStateCommittee
Hans India
18 hours ago
- Politics
- Hans India
SIR intends to deny right to vote, alleges CPM
VIJAYAWADA: The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has called for a unified struggle against the Election Commission of India's (ECI) Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists, which it claims is an effort to deny voting rights to citizens. The party's State secretary, V Srinivasa Rao, urged both the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the main opposition YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) to join the fight, warning that their own existence could be at risk otherwise. Speaking at a large-scale protest at Dharna Chowk in Vijayawada, Srinivasa Rao said that the SIR process is 'the most dangerous' threat to India's parliamentary democracy. The protest, organised by CPM, saw activists demanding an end to the illegal deletion of eligible voters and the protection of democracy. 'The TDP's letter to the ECI in Delhi is commendable, but they should not stop there. They must join the broader opposition struggle,' Srinivasa Rao said. He criticised the YSRCP for its silence on the issue, cautioning that its inaction would harm its public standing and political future. Srinivasa Rao accused the ECI of acting as a puppet of the Modi-led BJP government, with the main objective of SIR being to deny voting rights. 'The ECI is trying to overhaul the entire voter list. This has already led to 1.5 million people losing their votes in Bihar, with another 4.5 million in limbo,' he said. He described SIR as a deeply undemocratic process, which for the first time since Independence, places the burden of proving one's right to vote on the voter. CPM State Committee member Chigurupati Baburao echoed these concerns, stating that the party is mobilising a nationwide movement to protect the political and parliamentary system. 'We have seen votes being bought in elections. Now, the ECI is systematically trying to eliminate votes from the top level,' he said. Baburao warned that the large-scale voter deletions in Bihar could be a precursor for what is to come across the entire country, including Andhra Pradesh. Umamaheswara Rao, another CPM State Committee member, framed the protest against SIR as a 'fight to prevent fascism and protect democracy.' He expressed concern that if the BJP succeeds in its efforts, the 2029 elections could be the last elections held in the country. 'The BJP has failed in all aspects. The SIR process in Bihar, so soon after the parliamentary elections, shows that they are trying to win through backdoor means by deleting votes,' he said. Retired IAS officer Srinivas and Taxpayers Association secretary MV Anjaneyulu also addressed the gathering, criticising the ECI for its lack of credibility and for acting as a tool for the Central government. The protest was chaired by CPM State Committee member Donepudi Kasinath and was attended by a large number of party leaders and members from across the region.
Hans India
5 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
CPM alleges Rs 12,717 cr electricity burden on anvil
Vijayawada: The state is on the brink of another electricity burden totalling Rs 12,717 crore, according to CPM State Committee member Ch Baburao. He claims that under the current coalition government, the total electricity burden on the public could reach Rs 30,000 crore in a single year. Baburao made these remarks during a door-to-door campaign against electricity fares and smart meters in Shanti Nagar, Division 61 of the Vijayawada Central constituency. He, along with other CPM leaders and activists, distributed pamphlets, collected signatures, and held street meetings. He stated that the public is expressing strong anger over the electricity burdens, accusing the coalition government of breaking its promises. Consumers expressed frustration that while the 'Super Six' guarantees are progressing slowly, price hikes are being implemented rapidly. Baburao accused the Discoms of preparing proposals to levy a Rs 12,717 crore burden as 'true-up charges' for electricity consumed between 2019 and 2024. He alleged that this was being done with the government's approval and that the Electricity Regulatory Commission is currently collecting public opinion on the matter. He highlighted other burdens already in effect: A Rs 15,485 crore adjustment charge is already being collected for the years 2022-23. Fuel and Power Purchase Cost Adjustment (FPPCA) charges of 40 paise per unit, amounting to Rs 2,787 crore, have already been collected this year and are ongoing monthly. The government has increased the electricity tax from 6 paise to 100 paise per unit through a legal amendment. Proposals for Rs 842 crore FPPCA charge for 2024-25 have been submitted to the council. 'The coalition leaders criticised the YSRCP government for imposing Rs 32,000 crore burden in five years, yet their own government is imposing Rs 30,000 crore burden in just one year,' Baburao said. He also strongly condemned the installation of Adani smart meters, calling it 'permanent noose' around consumers' necks. He called on the public to protest against these burdens and smart meters. He demanded that the government cancel the Rs 12,717crore true-up charges, stop the installation of smart meters, and scrap all previously imposed adjustment charges. He announced that statewide protests will be held at electricity offices on August 5 under the banner of Praja Vedika to oppose the electricity price hikes and smart meters.
New Indian Express
22-07-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Andhra CM, Deputy CM condole death of Achuthanandan
VIJAYAWADA: Leaders across party lines expressed their deep condolences over the demise of veteran Communist leader and former Kerala Chief Minister VS Achuthanandan, who passed away in Thiruvananthapuram at the age of 101. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu issued a statement reflecting on Achuthanandan's remarkable eight-decade political journey, describing it as a testament to his steadfast commitment to ideals and public service. Naidu offered his heartfelt sympathies, praying, 'May his soul rest in peace.' Governor S Abdul Nazeer expressed profound grief and sadness on the passing of Achuthanandan, He offered his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members. Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan also conveyed his profound grief, emphasising Achuthanandan's lifelong dedication to the public. Recalling his roots in workers' rights struggles, and his distinguished political career, Pawan Kalyan praised his modest lifestyle, which will linger in public memory. He too, prayed for the departed soul's peace, saying, 'May Shri V.S. Achuthanandan's soul rest in peace.' The CPM State Committee shared its sorrow, extending condolences to Achuthanandan's family, and directing party units to lower the flag as a tribute. Highlighting his pivotal role in Kerala's Communist movement since joining at the age 17, the committee noted Achuthanandan's leadership in struggles, and tenure as the Chief Minister from 2006 to 2011, terming his death a significant blow to the party. YSRCP president YS Jagan Mohan Reddy also paid tribute, calling Achuthanandan's demise a great loss to Kerala's politics and people.
New Indian Express
28-04-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Provide funds for development of Amaravati as grant, CPM urges PM Modi
VIJAYAWADA: The CPM State Committee has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to provide funds for the development of State capital Amaravati as a grant and not as a loan. At a press conference in Vijayawada on Sunday, CPM leaders Y Venkateswara Rao and Ch Babu Rao released an open letter to Modi ahead of his May 2 visit to Amaravati to relaunch the capital development works. The CPM accused the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre of neglecting its obligations to the State under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014. The CPM leaders felt that loans from the World Bank and HUDCO for the capital development could burden the State with a Rs 1 lakh crore debt. The TDP-led NDA government in the State, which plans to build the capital with Rs 1 lakh crore, should maintain transparency on Central funding, the CPM leaders said. Highlighting unresolved issues of Amaravati farmers, who gave thousands of acres for the capital development, the CPM leaders strongly opposed the government's plan to acquire 44,000 more acres. The Left party leaders condemned Deputy Assembly Speaker K Raghurama Krishnam Raju's remarks against the CPM, pertaining to demolition of 900 houses of the poor in his home constituency Undi. They demanded justice for the affected families.
