Farmers’ plight in Amalapuram fuels CPM action

Andhra Pradesh: Farmers in Amalapuram and Allavaram face irrigation water shortages, prompting CPM State Secretary V Srinivasa Rao to demand action from officials during the party’s Praja Chaitanya Yatra, held March 25-28, 2025, while also raising concerns over electricity reforms.

Irrigation crisis hits farmers

Farmers in suburban Amalapuram and Allavaram are struggling due to insufficient irrigation water, with paddy fields in villages like Tandavapalli and Vanne Chintalapudi drying up. CPM State Secretary V Srinivasa Rao, during the Praja Chaitanya Yatra on Friday, inspected these areas and urged irrigation officials to ensure water reaches every field until harvest. Joint East Godavari District Irrigation Superintending Engineer K Gopinath responded by visiting the affected villages, promising to resolve the crisis. Water is currently supplied on a staggered basis, with advance notices provided to farmers. Local farmers expressed gratitude to CPM leaders for highlighting their plight.

CPM’s Praja Chaitanya Yatra

The four-day yatra, organized by the CPM’s Dr. B R Ambedkar Konaseema District Committee, concluded on Friday. Led by Srinivasa Rao, alongside State Committee Members B Balaram, Andra Malyadri, and District convener Kaarem Venkateswara Rao, the yatra covered Amalapuram Rural, Gudala, Kodurupadu, and Peruru in Allavaram mandal. The initiative aimed to address farmers’ issues and oppose government policies, drawing significant participation from party activists and local leaders.

Electricity reforms spark outrage

At Peruru’s electricity substation, Srinivasa Rao criticized upcoming electricity reforms, including a prepaid billing system, smart meters costing consumers thousands, and extra charges for nighttime usage. He accused the central government of amending the Electricity Act to favour corporates like Adani, warning that privatization would burden consumers further. The CPM demanded reduced charges, cancellation of smart meters, and an end to corporatization, calling for public mobilization against these policies.

Land dispute escalates

In Amalapuram’s Chandrababu colony, the yatra uncovered a land dispute where women allottees accused encroacher Degala Veera Babu of seizing their plots with fake documents. Despite appeals to revenue and police officials, no action was taken. During the inspection, Veera Babu allegedly attempted to attack the CPM team and the women, but fled after party leaders intervened. Srinivasa Rao promised legal support to fight the illegal constructions, earning praise from colony residents.

The yatra saw strong community backing, with farmers and residents thanking CPM leaders for their advocacy. District Committee Members T Naga Varalakshmi, N Balaram, G Durga Prasad, and other party and SFI leaders, including Peethala Ramachandra Rao and K Praneeth Sai, joined the effort, amplifying the call for justice and relief.