PROTEST actions were conducted in Andhra Pradesh opposing the privatisation of Indian Railways. The protests were organised by CPI(M), CITU at some places and various unions of railway workers and employees at different levels. Protest demonstrations at some railway stations, holding placards and shouting slogans against government’s decision of privatisation and demanding a roll back, were held. Covid protocols were observed in these protests.

Prajasakti Telugu daily published an eight page tabloid special supplement on railways. It explained the formation and chronological growth of Indian Railways and exposed the policies of NDA and UPA governments in dismantling the great organisation, Indian Railways. It evoked good response and about 47,000 copies were sold in addition to the regular circulation throughout the state. The PDF copy of the same was shared on social media by thousands of railway employees and other progressive sections who couldn’t get the hard copy.

LEFT PARTIES PROTEST FOR DECLARING
HEALTH EMERGENCY IN STATE
Ten Left parties in Andhra Pradesh carried out protests on July 27, demanding the government to take steps to combat the Covid-19 and to improve the medical facilities in Hospitals. CPI(M), CPI, CPI(ML-ND), CPI(ML-Liberation), CPI(ML), SUCI, CPI(ML-ND), MCPI(U), RSP and Forward bloc decided the united action. Protest actions took place throughout the state and exposed the government’s failures in handling the draconian Covid-19. State leaders P Madhu, K Ramakrishna, Prasad, Khader basha, Sudheer, Sundara Ramaraju etc participated in the protest at Vijayawada. They demanded the government for an all-party meeting to discuss the health situation in the state and to take steps in combating the coronavirus. They demanded immediate recruitment of doctors and paramedics in public health utilities and to supply PPE kits to all the frontline warriors. They also demanded the government to take over private hospitals to provide corona treatment. All the protesters observed the Covid protocols of wearing mask, maintaining physical distance etc.