Visakhapatnam, India – K.K. Raju, the district president of YSR Congress Party, expressed strong discontent regarding the recent decision by the Railway Board to establish the Visakhapatnam Railway Division without the crucial new Kothavalasa-Kirandul line (commonly referred to as the KK line). Speaking at the party office in Visakhapatnam, Raju accused Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and coalition MPs of neglecting the interests of the region while prioritizing the benefits of Odisha.
Raju questioned the role of three central ministers and coalition MPs as the establishment of the railway division without the KK line is likely to hinder the self-sufficiency of the Visakhapatnam division. He criticized Naidu for being passive despite knowing that this decision would adversely impact the financial stability of the region. Raju further alleged that the coalition government has systematically ignored the development of North Andhra since they took office, suggesting that there is a conspiracy to hinder Visakhapatnam’s progress to protect the real estate interests in Amaravati.
Highlighting the detrimental impact of the government’s actions, Raju pointed out that the ongoing privatization of the Visakh Steel Plant and the sidelining of the Visakh Metro Rail project are clear signs of neglect. He noted that while Naidu boasts of being part of a “double-engine government” that supposedly drives development, he has failed to deliver on critical railway projects for the region.
Raju demanded that the YSR Congress Party will actively campaign to integrate the KK line into the Visakhapatnam division, emphasizing that coalition leaders should unite for the betterment of North Andhra’s development. He accused Naidu of betraying the interests of the region since his government came to power, asserting that the Chief Minister is more focused on personal gain rather than the welfare of the citizens.
Pointing to the significant lands in Visakhapatnam that are valuable, Raju claimed that Naidu is selling these to his associates while neglecting essential projects that should have benefitted the state. He noted that under Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy’s leadership, a major road project from Visakh Port to Bhogapuram Airport was successfully negotiated with the central government, but this has been stalled since the coalition government took charge.
Raju reiterated the need for the establishment of the Visakhapatnam Railway Zone, recalling that the previous YSR Congress government had successfully pressured for its formation. However, since the coalition government came into power, there has been a shift in focus that has led to the removal of vital sections of the KK line from the Visakhapatnam division, placing them under the newly formed Raigad division based in Odisha.
In light of these issues, Raju announced that the YSR Congress Party will intensify its efforts to ensure the KK line is included in the Visakhapatnam division. He called for the coalition representatives from North Andhra to join forces in a campaign to rectify this injustice, asserting that the government must adhere to the provisions set in the division act regarding railway zones.
As the situation unfolds, the YSR Congress Party plans to devise a comprehensive strategy to mobilize support for the KK line and advocate for the region’s rightful development, emphasizing the importance of unity among local leaders to bring about positive change for North Andhra.
