Modi keeps mum on key issues, accuses YSRCP of mass corruption

Prime Minister Modi criticizes YSRCP for corruption in Andhra Pradesh during election campaign in Visakhapatnam.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his speech on Monday at Anakapalli in Andhra Pradesh as part of the ‘Prajagalam’ election campaign, skipped key issues such as the privatisation of the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP) and Special Category Status for the State and launched a scathing attack on the YSRCP for mass corruption instead.

Mr. Modi said that while the NDA focusses on development, the YSRCP only focusses on corruption. “In A.P., nothing moves, and there is no work, except for corruption,” he added.

However, he spoke about the operation of East Coast Railway’s Railway Zone from Visakhapatnam. “The Union government has already sanctioned the Railway Zone a couple of years ago, but it has not moved further, as the State government has failed to allot the required land,” he said.

The people of Uttarandhra, Visakhapatnam, and Anakapalli, in particular, expected the Prime Minister to shed some light on the privatisation of VSP and announce that it would not be privatised. However, despite his leaders, such as Anakapalli MP candidate C.M. Ramesh and Rajahmundry MP candidate D. Purandeswari, stating that the privatisation has been stopped, he chose not to speak about the emotive issue.

We expected the Prime Minister to make an announcement on the VSP privatisation issue, but his silence over the matter was a disappointment, said the employees of VSP, who attended the public meeting in large numbers.

The Prime Minister was in the State to take part in the campaign for BJP candidates C.M. Ramesh and D. Purandeswari, contesting from Anakapalli and Rajahmahendravaram Lok Sabha constituencies, respectively.

Earlier in the day he attended a public meeting in Rajamahendravaram where he sought votes from public in favour of BJP State president D. Purandeswari.