RCP warns renewed struggle if poor ignored, MNREGA diluted

Kadapa – Andhra Pradesh: Rayalaseema Communist Party (RCP) District Committee Member Lokeshwar Reddy on Monday warned that a mass movement would be launched if the poor continue to be marginalised and public resources are diverted to benefit the wealthy at the cost of farmers and labourers.

Petitions submitted across Rayalaseema

As part of an RCP statewide programme, petitions were submitted to Tahsildars at all mandal centres across Rayalaseema. In Chintakommadinne mandal, a petition was formally handed over to the Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) at the Tahsildar’s office.

Allegations against central government policies

Speaking on the occasion, Lokeshwar Reddy alleged that the BJP-led central government is diverting the wealth of the poor to corporates and rich sections, and has therefore weakened the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). He claimed it has been replaced with a new scheme named after Gandhi’s assassin, which he said would be ineffective and short-lived.

Warning of renewed farmers’ struggle

Questioning the viability of the new scheme, Reddy recalled the massive farmers’ agitation of three years ago and warned that a similar struggle would be revived if farmers and agricultural labourers are harassed again.

Call for mass conference

He announced village-level rallies to educate farmers on policy impacts and called upon them to participate in a large conference to be held in Kadapa. Mandal Secretary Madagalam Prasad and Vijay Kumar also participated.