The CPI(M) has demanded that permissions for the Mittal Port, which threatens the livelihoods of fishermen in Vijayawada, should not be granted without considering public opinion. This development occurred immediately after a CPI(M) team visited the proposed Greenfield Captive Port area, which is an ancillary to the ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel plant.
M. Appalaraju, District Secretary of the Farmers' Association and a member of the CPI(M) District Secretariat, was placed under house arrest by the police three days prior to the public consultation. The CPI(M) state committee has strongly condemned this action.
The CPI(M) has demanded that the government immediately lift the house arrest on M. Appalaraju. The party clarified that public consultation means freely ascertaining public opinions, not conducting a mere formality under police restrictions.
CPI(M) State Secretary V. Srinivasa Rao issued a statement on Wednesday regarding this matter. He emphasized that public consultation on this project, which affects the livelihoods of fishermen, must be conducted transparently.
The CPI(M) stated that suppressing the voice of the people as part of a democratic process is unacceptable. This incident highlights the need for governments in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana to act responsibly in protecting the rights of their citizens.
