CPI(M)'s Andhra Pradesh state secretary B.V. Raghuvulu and three other leaders on Thursday launched an indefinite fast here to press for about 50 demands concerning dalits, tribal community, and farmers.
Raghavulu, along with party state committee leaders G. Nagaiah, S. Veeraiah and Midiam Babu Rao, started the fast at Indira Park here.
"We have requested the chief minister to implement our 50 demands. If there is no positive response from the government, we will intensify our struggle," Raghavulu said.
The main demands are introduction of a special scheme for development of dalit and tribal localities, bringing in a special law for implementation of the sub-plan for SC/STs, effective implementation of forest rights act, lifting of cases registered by forest department against tribals, payment of compensation to those affected by Polavaram irrigation project and return of their lands.
The other demands include appointment of members and chairman for SC/ST commission, provision of identity cards for tenant farmers, regulation of micro-finance companies, and PDS ration cards for all eligible applicants.