Bending under the pressure exerted by the hunger strike launched by Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM) State Secretary B V Raghavulu, the state government on Monday said that an all-party meet would be convened to discuss the demands raised by the veteran communist leader.
This decision was announced by Handlooms and Textiles Minister P Shankar Rao in the Legislative Council after he was cornered by MLCs Chukka Ramaiah and C Seetharamulu, who demanded to know what the government was doing about the demands raised by Raghavulu, whose health was deteriorating rapidly.
Responding to their questions and expressing concern for the CPM leader's health, Shankar Rao said that the government was ready to hold discussions with Raghavulu, and that it would also make efforts towards addressing all the issues raised by him when he began his hunger strike 4 days ago.
The MLCs had expressed concern over the deterioration of Raghavulu's health, and alleged that the government was adopting an ‘indifferent attitude' towards him. They added that the indifferent attitude was also reflected in the government's lethargic approach in solving the problems faced by the people.
Shankar Rao assured them that the government would send a delegation of ministers to hold discussions with Raghavulu over the people's problems, and also enquire about his health.
Earlier, the MLCs had also alleged that the government frequently adjourned the House when the elected representatives tried to raise people's problems. They had also asked the minister as to why the government was reluctant to execute the GOs issued in connection with various issues.