Citizens’ Research Collective on SEZ

Hyderabad, May 28, 2008: Thirteen independent candidates from Jadcheral Assembly seat, who entered the fray to register their protest against Polepally Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Mahaboobnagar district, said they would contest in the next general elections too if the State Government failed to address their problem.

Alleging that the police and leaders of other political parties were trying to intimidate them, the independent candidates, who lost their lands and livelihood in the SEZ urged the Election Commission to come to their rescue.

Addressing a press conference here, Kanduri Kurmaiah, one of the independent candidate, said that they became beggars in their own village after their land was acquired for the SEZ.

“To register our protest, we have decided to contest the elections. No political party came to our rescue when the previous TDP regime took over our land for ‘green park’. Even Chief Minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy is not interested in listening to our vows and solve the problem,” Kurmaiah said.

U Satyamma, another independent candidate, said that the Government forcibly acquired her eight acre land.

“Congress candidate from Jadcherla Mallu Ravi promised to look into the issue once the elections are over. But, we are not prepared to believe him,” B Seenaiah Goud, another victim, said.

Source: Express News Service