Latest news with #Raghavulu
Hans India
a day ago
- Politics
- Hans India
EC working in favour of BJP in Bihar: CPM
Vijayawada: CPM Politburo Member BV Raghavulu alleged that the Election Commission (EC) is acting in favour of the BJP by initiating a covert citizenship identification process in the name of voter registration in Bihar. He stated that even while the matter is under consideration by the Supreme Court, the EC has written to other states recommending the implementation of similar processes which are implemented in Bihar. The CPM national leader has demanded for an immediate halt to such actions. Addressing the media at the Balotsavam Bhavan here on Monday, Raghavulu questioned how the EC could announce thatits Special Investigation Report (SIR) in Bihar identified people from Nepal, Bangladesh, and a citizenship identification initiative under the guise of voter registration is inappropriate, said the CPM leader. The Supreme Court had advised using Aadhaar, ration cards, and previous voter rolls to identify voters but the EC is disregarding these guidelines. He warned that by pushing for a Bihar-style SIR in all states even before the Supreme Court's next hearing on July 28, the EC is compromising its neutrality and aligning itself with BJP interests. Other official institutions exist for citizenship matters, and the EC's interference in this domain is unconstitutional, said Raghavulu. Such haste, without reviewing Bihar's experience or awaiting a court ruling, could destroy public trust in constitutional systems, said the CPM leader. The CPM state secretary V Srinivasa Rao stated that farmers in Karidedu are resisting land acquisition for the IndoSol project, cutting across party lines. He alleged that a TDP MLA is trying to divide this resistance and warned the government that forcibly acquiring land without public consent will face backlash. He criticised the government for acquiring land in agency areas for pumped storage power projects without consulting local Gram Sabhas. Over 1.6 lakh acres have already been acquired in the name of development. Many of these remain unused—such as 6,000 acres in Krishnapatnam, 2,500 acres in Prakasam for NIMZ, and 20,000 acres in Donakonda. In Kakinada SEZ, 10,000 acres lie vacant. He questioned whether the real intent is development or mere land grabbing.
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
ECI trying to replicate ‘SIR' in other States, alleges CPI(M) leader
CPI(M) Politburo member B.V. Raghavulu on Monday alleged that the Election Commission of India (ECI) facilitated a backdoor citizenship registration process under the guise of voter enrolment in Bihar and sent letters to other States to replicate it even as the Supreme Court was looking into the matter. Addressing the media here on Monday (July 14), Mr. Raghavulu said that the Special Identification Register (SIR) in Bihar was not supposed to ascertain the citizenship of people. He further alleged that the SIR process was clearly biased towards the BJP as the ECI pushed for a Bihar-style SIR in other States even before the apex court hearing on July 28. U.S. tariffs Mr. Raghavulu also alleged that the Indian government yielded to pressure mounted by the U.S. government during the tariff negotiations. The tariffs which were likely to be in the 23%–25% range, despite the claims of a tough stand by the Indian government, would cause grave injustice to the farmers. Import of Genetically Modified (GM) wheat, corn, soy, and dairy products would harm 80 million dairy farmers in the country. The government kept quiet when U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to impose a 50% tariff on steel, and high tariffs on some other items/commodities, he added. Mr. Raghavulu alleged that the government made secret deals for purchase of Boeing aircraft, helicopters, and nuclear reactors from the U.S. Reacting to A.P. Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan's comments on Hindi language, Mr. Raghavulu said that all languages were equal under the Constitution, and Hindi should not be imposed on someone. Mr. Kalyan is submissive to the BJP in this regard and his stand thereof is contradictory with the line taken by him earlier, the CPI(M) leader added.
Hans India
18-06-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
CPM warns of ‘Emergency-like danger' to nation under Modi
VIJAYAWADA: CPM politburo member BV Raghavulu on Tuesday asserted that democracy and secularism in India face a threat greater than the Emergency period under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's rule, urging a united front to combat it. Speaking at a press conference at MB Vignana Kendram here, alongside politburo member U Vasuki and party State secretariat member Y Venkateswara Rao, Raghavulu outlined decisions made at a recent Central Committee meeting. He stated the party's resolve to inform the public about the true facts of the recent Pulwama terrorist attack and to explain the 'danger of Emergency-like conditions.' Raghavulu highlighted the need for public awareness regarding the recent terror attack in Pahalgam. He noted that while terrorists killed innocent civilians and India retaliated by destroying terrorist bases in Pakistan, President Donald Trump claimed he brokered a ceasefire between the two nations. The CPM demanded a special parliamentary session to reveal the facts, a request Raghavulu said the government refused. Raghavulu strongly criticised the Central government for allegedly aligning with American foreign policy and acting subserviently to Trump. He pointed out that the Indian government has not condemned the recent Israeli attack on Iran, despite India's friendly economic ties with Iran. He warned that a potential war would increase crude oil prices, already up by 10 per cent, harming India's economy. He stressed the need for global pressure on Israel to halt the conflict. Raghavulu accused the BJP-led Central government of supporting Israel and urged it to change its stance. He criticised the Indian government for attempting to equate the aggressors with the victims, suggesting its actions appear to cater to American interests and Trump's preferences. 'While claiming to be a 'Vishwaguru', it is acting as Trump's puppet,' he remarked. Raghavulu concluded by highlighting the upcoming 50th anniversary of the Emergency declaration on June 25, emphasising the need to inform the public about its dangers. He recalled the CPM's active role in fighting against the Emergency and how opposition parties united. He stated that just asthe nation was collectively saved from the Emergency then, today there is a need to protect secularism, democracy, and federalism from the 'danger of neo-fascist forces.'
The Hindu
17-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Modi's rule posing greater danger to democracy than Emergency, alleges CPI(M) leader Raghavulu
CPI(M) Polit Bureau member B.V. Raghavulu has alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's rule is posing a greater danger to democracy and secularism than the Emergency imposed five decades ago. Addressing the media in Vijayawada on Tuesday, Mr. Raghavulu said the current political climate reflected an 'undeclared Emergency,' where voice of dissent was stifled and foreign policy was driven by external influence, particularly the United States. The CPI(M) would launch a campaign to educate the public about the dangers of authoritarianism, especially as June 25 marked 50 years since the declaration of Emergency in 1975. 'We must remember that CPI(M) and other parties fought tooth and nail against the Emergency. Today, the threat is even more insidious and demands united resistance,' he said. Referring to the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Mr. Raghavulu alleged that the Modi government was inciting war hysteria instead of seeking peaceful, democratic solution to terrorism and international tensions. 'The Centre is withholding facts from the public. It is silent over U.S. President Donald Trump's claim that he mediated between India and Pakistan to prevent a war,' he alleged, adding that the Centre did not heed the demand to convene a special parliamentary session to bring the facts to light. The Central government was becoming subservient to Mr. Trump, he alleged. Israel's attack on Iran On Israel's attack on Iran, Mr. Raghavulu criticised the Modi government's 'muted response.' 'Despite India's deep economic ties with Iran, including crude oil imports and port construction, our government refuses to condemn Israel's actions. Instead, it supports them. This is morally and strategically indefensible,' the CPI(M) leader asserted, warning that such actions could escalate oil prices and harm India's economy. 'All democratic forces should come together to safeguard secularism, federalism, and constitutional values from the emerging fascist forces in the guise of governance,' he added. CPI(M) leader U. Vasuki and State Secretariat member Y. Venkateswara Rao were present.
The Hindu
26-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
VSP lands may be put up for sale as part of NMP-II, opines BV Raghavulu
CPI-M Polit Bureau member B. V. Raghavulu has expressed apprehension that the Centre will sell Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP) lands as part of its second phase of asset monetisation plans. He was referring to the announcement on the National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP-II) at a media conference here on Monday (May 26). Deploring the adamant attitude of the Modi government to go ahead with its decision on strategic sale of VSP ignoring the agitations by workers and trade unions of all parties, Mr. Raghavulu strongly condemned the termination of contract workers without payment of any compensation to them. Referring to the statements of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu that Visakhapatnam region would be developed as a 'steel hub', he wondered whether it could be achieved by killing the existing public sector VSP and bringing a new private steel plant. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was talking of India becoming a $5 trillion economy. The steel industry in the country would have a major role to play in achieving it. We demand not only protection of VSP but also its expansion and recruitment of more workers and staff towards achieving the projected demand for steel. He called upon Telugu people to oppose the monetisation of public assets, and to demand allocation of captive mines and further strengthening of VSP. Mr. Raghavulu ridiculed Mr. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan for neither raising the VSP issue nor the issues concerning AP at the NITI Aayog meeting. While other Opposition-ruled States and even those from BJP-ruled States had sought solutions to issues pertaining to their respective States at the meeting, Mr. Naidu and Mr. Pawan Kalyan were content with heaping lavish praises on the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister, who was talking of 'Viksit Raj (State) and Viksit Bharat', was not keen on increasing the tax share of States or payment tax arrears to the States. The CPI-M polit bureau member wondered how the States would develop when they were not given a fair share in the tax revenues. Mr. Naidu, who used to talk of following the federal spirit in the past, seems to have forgotten it now. He opined that Mr. Naidu was sacrificing the interests of the State. Replying to queries, Mr. Raghavulu said that around 1,000 acres of land was enough to build the capital. Mr. Naidu was now going for an additional 55,000 acres of land. This way, another five years would roll by and the problem would be back to square one. He demanded a halt to 'Operation Kagar', and holding of peace talks with the Maoists.
