CPM protests against central budget, calls it anti-people and unjust

Amalapuram – Andhra Pradesh: The Communist Party of India (Marxist) staged a protest against the central budget, condemning it as anti-people and deeply unjust to Andhra Pradesh. Addressing the gathering on Wednesday, CPM state secretary B Balaram urged people to strongly oppose and protest against the budget, which he claimed had failed to fulfill the promises made during the state’s bifurcation.

Budget ignores Andhra Pradesh’s promises

The protest, organized by the CPM Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Konaseema District Committee, took place at the Amalapuram Clock Tower Center. Speaking at the event, Balaram and CPM state committee member Andra Malyadri criticized the central government for neglecting Andhra Pradesh in its budget allocations.

They pointed out that key promises such as special category status, a development package for backward areas, and allocations for national educational institutions had been ignored. The leaders also noted that the budget failed to allocate funds for crucial projects, including the Visakhapatnam Railway Zone, IIT, IIM, NIT, IIIT, IISER, Tribal University, Central University, Dugarajapatnam Port, Kadapa Steel Plant, Vizag Metro, and AIIMS.

Reduction in funds for key projects

Balaram highlighted that while Rs 8,622 crore was allocated to the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant last year, the current budget has reduced it to Rs 3,295 crore—a cut of Rs 5,327 crore. Additionally, the Rs 11,440 crore package previously announced for the plant found no mention in the budget. The leaders condemned the government’s silence on halting the plant’s privatization, calling it a betrayal of Andhra Pradesh’s industrial sector.

The Polavaram project saw an allocation increase from Rs 5,512.50 crore last year to Rs 5,936 crore this year. However, the budget made no mention of the rehabilitation and compensation package for displaced communities. The CPM leaders criticized this as an attempt to marginalize those affected by the project, stating that the Rs 55,000 crore estimated requirement had been reduced by Rs 33,000 crore, leaving displaced families without adequate support.

Call for political action

Balaram demanded that Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and MPs from all parties take a firm stand against the central government’s neglect. He called for accountability and immediate action to address the state’s economic concerns.

Meanwhile, CPM district convener Karem Venkateswara criticized the lack of funds for the Konaseema Railway Line, calling it a grave injustice. He urged people to mobilize and protest against the continued neglect of Andhra Pradesh in national budget allocations.

Participation in the protest

Several district leaders and CPM members participated in the demonstration, including CPM Party District Committee Members K Krishnaveni, G Durga Prasad, TN Balaram, T Naga Varalakshmi, and others. Leaders Peethala Ramachandra Rao, K Gopalam, Bhaskara Rao, Tadi Srirammurthy, Shankar, and K Sai also took part in the protest, demanding justice for the people of Andhra Pradesh.