The Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) city unit organised a novel protest by carrying a huge bowl as symbolic representation of empty coffers of the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC).
CPI(M) city secretary Ch. Babu Rao said the ruling Congress had pushed the city into a debt trap. The leaders who had painted a rosy picture of the development were now busy mortgaging the assets. The MLAs and MP were showing least interest in bailing out the VMC.
The State Government had not released its dues under Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) and grants to the VMC. The Government had not released Rs.250 crore due to the VMC.
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The Government was supposed to release Rs.160 crore under the JNNURM and Rs. 60 crore under non-plan grants to the VMC. The Corporation employees had been demanding that the government pay their salaries through treasury.
The VMC would receive Rs.200 crore more if the government shouldered the burden of housing, he said, adding, in all the government has to release Rs.500 crore to the city. Vijayawada MP Lagadapati Rajagopal, who speaks on all national issues, had no concern for the city, he said.
The MLAs from the city were also mum on the issue. The public representatives should take initiative as the political pressure was required for the release of dues from the government, he felt.
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The government put a cap on subsidised LPG cylinders.
The cylinder would cost Rs. 970 if the government has not subsidised it. The government was dilly dallying on the State's share in KG Basin. On other hand, the power surcharges were being imposed, he pointed out.
CPI(M) city leaders Ch. Jogi Raju, D. Vishnuvardhan, K. Sridevi, P. Sambi Reddy, B. Ramana Rao, K.Saroja, R.Koteswara Rao Asha and others were present.