Kottavalasa-Kirandul railway line is a right of the tribals: YSRCP MP Tanuja Rani
Visakhapatnam, April 10
YSR Congress Party MP from Araku, Tanuja Rani, on Friday asserted that the Kottavalasa-Kirandul Railway Line is the "right of tribals" and must continue under the Waltair Division, opposing any move to shift it to the Rayagada Division.
Speaking to ANI, Rani said she has consistently raised concerns at multiple levels to protect the interests of tribal communities dependent on the railway line. "As of now, I have already spoken in the Parliament and also met with the Union Railway Minister. I am continuously submitting representations to the Railway Minister advocating that the KK Line should remain part of the Waltair Division and not be separated," she said.
Highlighting the historical and administrative significance of the route, she added, "The KK Line mustn't be integrated into the Rayagada Division, as it has been under the jurisdiction of the Waltair Division for ages."
Rani further emphasised the need for collective political effort, urging leaders from the ruling party in Andhra Pradesh to take a stand on the issue. "I have formally requested the Minister regarding these issues. Now, the outcome also depends significantly on the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and the relevant state ministers. Since the ruling government has many MPs from the same party, they must also join this fight," she said.
The MP noted that she has been actively pursuing the matter through parliamentary interventions, stating, "I have been putting in consistent effort from the beginning by meeting ministers and speaking in Parliament, but collaborative action is now necessary".
Meanwhile, political tensions in Andhra Pradesh remain high, with YSRCP leaders continuing to criticise the state government on various issues. Senior leader Srikanth Reddy recently alleged financial irregularities in capital development projects, while party chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy accused the ruling government of focusing solely on Amaravati for alleged financial gains.
— ANI
Reader Comments
While I appreciate the sentiment, this feels like another political tug-of-war. The focus should be on improving the service and connectivity for the tribals, not which division's office it falls under. Let's see some concrete plans for development, not just administrative battles. 🤔
As someone from Visakhapatnam, I know how important Waltair division is for the entire region. The historical connection matters. If it's not broken, why try to fix it? The MP is right to oppose this move.
Finally, a voice for the tribal people! Their access to railways should not be compromised for bureaucratic reshuffling. Hope other MPs join her, regardless of party lines. This is about people's welfare, not politics. 🙏
Interesting to see the focus on administrative jurisdiction. In many countries, such changes are evaluated purely on efficiency grounds. What are the actual pros and cons for the commuters here? The article doesn't make that clear.
The real issue is being missed. It's not just about which division manages it, but whether the tribals are getting fair access, fair prices, and good service. That should be the benchmark for any decision.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.