Kakani Backs Fisherfolk, Slams Harbour ‘Privatisation’
"We are not against industrialisation, but not at the cost of the survival of fishermen”: Kakani Govardhan Reddy
NELLORE: Former minister Kakani Govardhan Reddy on Monday expressed strong support for the fisherfolk of the region, accusing the ruling coalition of implementing policies that undermine their livelihoods. Speaking at a press conference in Kavali alongside former MLA Ramireddy Pratap Kumar Reddy, Kakani criticised the government's move to hand over parts of the Juvvaladinne Fishing Harbour to private players.
“We are not against industrialisation, but not at the cost of the survival of fishermen,” Kakani stated, voicing his concern over the negative impact of the privatisation. He claimed that such actions were depriving local fishermen of their rights to use the harbour, which is crucial for their livelihood.
Kakani also addressed the issue of boat thefts, calling it an attack on the dignity of fishermen and demanding a thorough investigation. He alleged that these thefts were part of broader efforts to disempower the fishing community.
The former minister pointed out that the harbour project, initiated during the tenure of Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy at a cost of ₹289 crore, was nearing completion but was being delayed by the current government. He warned of sustained protests if the issue was not resolved.
Kakani made a strong promise that if the YSRC returned to power, they would cancel the private allocations and return the harbour land to the fishermen.
