The Krishnapatnam port controversy which appeared to have ended with the arrival of a vessel with 4000 containers on board on Friday, took a new twist with former Telugu Desam minister and TDP politburo member Somireddy Chandramohan Reddy alleged that the vessel which reached the port came with empty containers.
Speaking to reporters at Nellore on Saturday, Somireddy displayed various material and communication proof to substantiate his claims.
“It is a fact that operations at the container terminal has been shut down completely. Minister Kakani Govardhan Reddy who said he would resign from his ministership if operations were not revived at the port is now trying to hoodwink the people by bringing a vessel with empty containers to the port”, the TDP politburo member alleged.
“Farmers has given away 16000 acres of land for the establishment of the Krishnapatnam port. Today, because of the lackluster approach of the state govt, operations have been shut down here and shifted to the Ennore port near Chennai by the Adani group. Can the minister get a written confirmation from the Adani group that they would continue their operations at the Krishnapatnam port to allay the fears of the workers”, Somireddy questioned.
“About 14 vessels with various inward and outward stocks used to arrive and depart at the Krishnapatnam port on an average per month in the past. Can the minister ensure atleast 8 vessels with stocks arrive and depart from the port in February”, Somireddy challenged.
Stating that besides the revenue for the state, employment of 10000 workers was at stake, the ex minister warned that protests will be intensified in the comming days if the state govt does not revive operations at the container terminal at the Krishnapatnam port immediately.
