VISAKHAPATNAM: Tourism minister Muttamsetti Srinivasa Rao (Avanti) on Friday shared the same dais with his political guru Ganta Srinivasa Rao, Telugu Desam MLA, at the relay hunger strike protesting against privatisation of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP).
The hunger strike, started at the main gate of VSP, has been launched by Ukku Parirakshana Committee. The hunger strike camp was inaugurated by Kolla Rajamohan Rao, who had participated for getting the steel plant for Visakhapatnam in 1970s.
Soon after the inauguration, Ganta Srinivasa Rao displayed to people his new resignation letter written as per format required by the assembly speaker for acceptance. Announcing that he was resigning from the assembly in interests of the people, Ganta appealed to Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy that he convene a meeting of his cabinet immediately and pass a resolution against privatisation of the steel plant.
The tourism minister, suggested to Ganta Srinivasa Rao that resignation should be used as the last resort against the central government and not now. “Right now, it is time to unite political parties, trade unions and people to launch a state-wide agitation, till the Centre revokes its decision,” the tourism minister remarked.
CPI national general secretary said the state government should enact a new law to prevent PSUs from selling off lands allotted by the state government. He later called on those sitting on hunger strike.
