Raghavulu Withdraws His Fast

Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM) State Secretary B V Raghavulu on Tuesday withdrew his indefinite fast following an assurance given by the state government that efforts would be made to redress the 44 problems that he said the people faced.

CPM politburo member Brinda Karat gave lemon juice to Raghavulu and 3 other members who were fasting at the Indira Park.

Earlier, ministers Pithani Satyanarayana and P Balaraju had proceeded to the Gandhi Hospital on behalf of the state government, and appealed to Raghavulu to withdraw his fast. Textiles Minister P Shankar Rao and Rural Development Minister D Manikya Vara Prasad had also requested Raghavulu to withdraw his fast.

The ministers had promised that the state government would respond positively to all the issues raised by Raghavulu.

After much persuasion, Raghavulu called off his fast at the Indira Park, and speaking to media persons, he thanked all the activists for extending their solidarity to his agitation.

"The government is already implementing a majority of the 50 demands, mostly concerning the welfare of dalits, tribals and farmers, being made by the CPI(M) leaders, and will take steps to plug loopholes, if any exist," said Shankar Rao.

The CPI's 50 demands include introducing a special scheme for the development of dalit and tribal areas, bringing in a special law for the implementation of the sub-plan for SC/STs, effective implementation of the Forest Rights Act, lifting the cases registered against tribals by the forest department, and compensating those affected by the Polavaram irrigation project and returning their lands.

Other demands include the appointment of members and a Chairman for the SC/ST commission, provision of identity cards for tenant farmers, regulation of micro-finance companies and distribution of PDS ration cards for all eligible applicants.

Courtesy: INN