The city unit of CPI(M) has demanded that the State government conduct elections to urban local bodies and put an end to special officers’ rule.
The CPI (M) organised a maha dharna in front of the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation’s administrative office in protest against what it called “retrograding of development” in the city on Friday.
Addressing a gathering, CPI(M) floor leader in the State Assembly Julakanti Ranga Reddy said the Congress government had neglected the local bodies, and was more interested in revenues than providing facilities to people. The government, which was eager to fill its coffers, levied tax even on garbage collection. The Congress promised to construct 28,000 houses in the city. It, however, miserably failed in identifying land. Governance deteriorated with frequent change in guard in the government.
MLAs and MP were least concerned about the grants and funds that were due to the VMC. They had not taken any steps in prevailing upon the government to release the dues under the JNNURM programme, he said.
CPI(M) city secretary Ch. Babu Rao, secretariat members — Donepudi Kasinath, D. Vishnuvardhan, and U. V. Rama Raju came down heavily on the VMC for its miserable failure in completing the developmental works. They pointed out that roads were inundating with slightest rain. The corporation was dumping garbage in Vambay Colony, a residential area.
Tax notices
The VMC had issued to residents of G plus three JNNURM houses property tax and water cess notices; the tax ranged between Rs. 2,000 and Rs. 3,000 for property tax and Rs. 1500 for water. The VMC should withdraw the notices immediately as the residents were poor, they said. They later submitted a memorandum to the VMC officials. The party also organised a photo exhibition of foundation stones and problems faced by the people in the city.
