Jagan accuses Chandrababu of betraying tribals

Leader of Opposition and YSR Congress Party president Ys Jagan Mohan Reddy on Thursday led a massive protest in Vizag Agency area by tribals against the bauxite mining in the Agency areas.

Speaking at the meeting, Jagan said though countless voices are roaring in unison against bauxite mining, Chandrababu Naidu is refusing to listen. He said Chief Minister Chandrababu has kept the Bauxite GO only in abeyance and did not withdraw.  He reminded that Chandrababu had opposed bauxite mining while he was in the Opposition in 2011. He said Chandrababu had even written to the Governor that since no gram sabhas were held, mining should not be allowed. But, the same Chandrababu now says that the gram sabhas were held and the village expressed itself in favour of mining, Jagan said.

"Why is Tribal Advisory Committee, which is a constitutional right of the tribals under the Schedule 5 of the Constitution, has not been constituted. He has not constituted the TAC because of the seven tribal MLAs, of whom six are YSRCP MLAs," Jagan said.

Chandrababu had forcibly tried to get a nod for bauxite mining through a TDP dominated TAC in 2000. The TDP chief had even got a resolution to amend the tribal laws, he reminded. He said YSR understood the problems of the tribals and did not allow bauxite mining. He said Chandrababu rule is a saga of betrayal and back-tracking. He promised many things like farm loan waiver, DWCRA loan waiver, jobs and several others.  "DSC exams were over a year ago. But, the candidates have not been given jobs. Instead of giving jobs to them, the TDP is introducing cluster system to remove 700 teachers saying they are in excess," he said.

He called upon the people not to allow even an inch of Tribal land to be mined. He appealed to the people to stay united and assured that his party would stand by them.