Date:30/08/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/08/30/stories/2007083054630400.htm

Andhra Pradesh

Chance for Left to emerge as alternative force: Raghavulu

Staff Reporter

Mass movements boosted CPI (M) image, says State secretary

Mass movements failed to get votes for party
Raghavulu against advisory panel on land reforms

NIRMAL (ADILABAD DT.): Communist Party of India (Marxist) State secretary B.V. Raghavulu on Wednesday said the Left parties stood a fair chance of emerging as an alternative political force to Congress and Telugu Desam Party in Andhra Pradesh owing to their ongoing ‘Bhoo Poratam’ (land struggle).

At a press conference before participating in the ‘Bhoo Poratam’ programme here, Mr. Raghavulu said leading mass movements had improved the image of CPI (M) considerably in the past. “Yet, they failed to get votes for the party in elections,” he pointed out. He, however, refused to elaborate when asked whether the party was confident of gaining electorally because of the land struggle.

Mr. Raghavulu demanded that the Government constitute district-wise land reform committees with the concerned Joint Collector as convenor. This would help in finding solutions to land issues at local level, he said.

On the proposed advisory panel on land reforms headed by Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, the CPI (M) leader wanted the Government not to go ahead with it.

“The committee does not have powers to implement land reforms and who can advise it when the Chief Minister himself will head the panel,” he wondered. An empowered committee headed by a non-official was required in the present conditions to implement land reforms, he added.

Recommendations

About the Koneru Ranga Rao committee report, Mr. Raghavulu wanted the Government to accept the key recommendations relating to evidence by tribals and tenants in land cases. CPI (M) State committee members Lanka Raghavulu and Saibaba and district secretary Bandi Dattatri were also present.