An Anti-Steel Protest Will Be Held At Khammam By The TRS

TRS leaders said on Tuesday that they would stage a day-long demonstration on Wednesday at Khammam in protest of the statement by Union Tourism Minister G Kishan Reddy that a steel plant at Bayyaram would not be feasible despite it being assured in the AP Reorganisation Act.

Kishan Reddy was asked to explain whether he made the statement in his own capacity or on behalf of the union government.

Speaking to media persons at Telangana Bhavan, TRS Lok Sabha floor leader Nama Nageshwara Rao said as per the AP Reorganisation Act, the Centre must establish the steep plant at Bayyaram and fulfil its promise. He reminded that the then Central govt planned to allow a private company to establish the steel plant and issued 2 govt orders in 2009 and 2010, but rolled back following public outrage.

“Experts from the Central agencies have confirmed that the iron ore of 40-60% quality was available at Bayyaram. But the Centre is not ready to establish the steel plant. Injustice is being meted to Telangana on all fronts,” the MP said.

He pointed out that the Centre, which was bearing the entire expenditure for developing Regional Ring Roads in other States, was insisting that the Telangana govt bear 50% of expenditure. He stated that despite the recommendations from NITI Aayog, the Centre did not only fail to release Rs 24,000 of grants to Telangana but also did not release funds for Mission Bhagiratha under the Har Ghar Jal programme on par with other States.