Vijayawada: Communist Party of India (CPI) today demanded the Andhra Pradesh government to initiate criminal action against 'call money racket' operators, irrespective of their political affiliations.
In a press release issued here, CPI secretary for Andhra Pradesh K Ramakrishna demanded the N. Chandrababu Naidu-led government to initiate immediate action against a TDP MLA in connection with the racket.
'Call money' refers to a mode of private lending where loan is made available instantly at borrower's doorstep but at exorbitant rates of interest and the lender can demand repayment anytime over a call.
The ruling TDP and main Opposition YSR Congress were engaged in a heated war of words in the House over the issue during the past few days.
Police have lodged 227 cases against money lenders, who were reportedly collecting exorbitant rate of interest. Of these, five cases involved sexual harassment of borrowers along with charging of high interest rate, Naidu had earlier stated in the House.
"So far 188 accused have been arrested, which include the sympathisers of YSRCP (65), TDP (20), Congress (12), CPI (6), BJP (4), Lok Satta (2), CPM (1) and others 78," the Chief Minister had said.
Observing that a judicial inquiry has already been ordered into the racket, he had said no one will be spared.
Meanwhile, in view of the AP Assembly witnessing din over various issues leading to adjournments, Ramakrishna appealed to the TDP and YSR Congress to allow the House to take up issues of public interest.
The House needs to take up discussion on many burning issues like floods, drought and other public interest subjects, he pointed out.
He also appealed suspended YSRC MLA R K Roja to withdraw her alleged "objectionable" remarks against Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu in the House, for it to run smoothly in the interest of the public.
He also requested the government to withdraw Roja's suspension of one year from the House.
