Andhra Pradesh Farmers Sent 400 Cheques Of 68-Paise Each As Gift On PM Modi’s Birthday To Highlight Neglect Of Rayalaseema
India Prime Minister Narendra Modi turned 67 yesterday and his fans, followers, and well-wishers around the world poured birthday wishes on his big day. He has created history by changing the face of politics in India. He was elected as the Prime Minister of our country in 2014 and since then, he has been doing whatever he can to make India a better place to live in.
From running a tea stall to becoming the PM of India, Modi’s dedication deserves a huge round of applause. In fact, he has set a great example for all world leaders. It has been a tough journey for him to be the person he is today. He is one of the inspiration to the youth in the country.
But, a few members of Rayalaseema Saguneeti Sadhana Samithi, a Kurnool-based NGO had sent a special gift to PM Modi on this occasion. The gift consists of 400 cheques of 68 paise only to highlight the neglect of the backward Rayalaseema region of Andhra Pradesh State.
“We are sending 68 paise cheques as a token to draw your attention to our backwardness,” RSSS co-convener Yerva Ramachandra Reddy said. The group claimed that Rayalaseema remains one of the most backward regions in the country despite the abundant resources there. Kurnool, Anantapur, Chittoor, and Kadapa districts are deprived of water despite rivers like Krishna and Penna passing through it.
Among these districts, Anantapur receives the second lowest rainfall after Thar desert in the country. They claim that politicians are not interested in the farmer crisis in Rayalaseema due to the lack of political influence it carries.
“Both Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and opposition leader Jaganmohan Reddy are from Rayalaseema… Yet they are not focusing attention on the region because there are only 54 Mla seats here and the rest are in the coastal region. So they focus all their attention there,” a member said.
“Many rivers flow through the region but due to lack of irrigation and drinking water projects, farmers and people in this region face water shortage. We want to highlight our problems at the highest level so we are sending these cheques,’’ B Dasarath Reddy, president of the Samithi said.
Although, it is Modi’s 67th birthday some members assumed it was 68th and the RSSS members made out cheques accordingly. “It is a peaceful protest on our part but hopes it will make a powerful impact,’’ Dasarath said. The six cheques of which Reddy displayed photos were made out to Narendra Damodardas Modi and dated September 15.
Dasarath Reddy said that although there was a provision in the AP Reorganization Act to give special economic development package to Rayalaseema, nothing much has been given to the region. “The infrastructure projects taken up are coming up at a slow pace. Lots of things like steel plant, universities, railway zone etc were promised but there is no visible development,’’ Reddy said.
Earlier, the Samithi had written to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu who replied that the irrigation and drinking water projects were progressing as planned and the region would be drought-proof soon. With state leaders showing apathy to their plight, the farmers hope that their unique protest will help bring center’s attention to the region.