Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu) [India], August 17 (ANI): The Communist Party of India (CPI) staged a demonstration near the Coimbatore District Collector's Office on Monday, raising 23 demands concerning drinking water, infrastructure, public transport, farmers' rights and the welfare of migrant workers.
The protest was led by CPI State Secretary Veerapandian. Following the demonstration, a delegation of party members met the District Collector and submitted a memorandum outlining the demands.
Protection of Coimbatore district's drinking water sources was among the key demands raised by the CPI. The party also called for the implementation of the Pandiyar-Punnampuzha project and asked to expedite the Coimbatore Metro Rail project without further delay.
The CPI further demanded that the existing two-lane bypass roads between Neelambur and Madukkarai be expanded into six-lane roads. However, the party said that such expansion should be carried out without adversely affecting the livelihoods of farmers whose agricultural land could be impacted by the proposed project.
The party also called for the restoration of bus services that had been discontinued on various routes and sought greater protection for the rights and welfare of migrant workers in the district.
Speaking to ANI after submitting the petition, Veerapandian said the memorandum raised several issues concerning the people of Coimbatore, with the protection of drinking water resources being one of the CPI's primary concerns.
On the opposition from farmers to the proposed six-lane road expansion, Veerapandian said development should not come at the cost of farmers' livelihoods. He suggested that technology and construction methods used in European countries to minimise the impact of road projects on agricultural land could be considered. He stressed that the concerns of farmers should not be ignored as their livelihoods are closely linked to their agricultural land.
Veerapandian also commented on the Tamil Nadu government's first 100 days in office and the Assembly discussion surrounding the death of a Coimbatore college student. He said the CPI was extending support to the government from outside while emphasising that the administration should remain committed to secularism, the welfare of working people and the interests of Tamil Nadu.
He said the government was relatively new and that its performance would have to be assessed over time.
The CPI State Secretary also spoke about the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), saying the party had been performing well on issues including Tirupparankundram, the Mekedatu project, the Cauvery water dispute and NEET.
On concerns over the deterioration of law and order in Tamil Nadu, Veerapandian said there could be no compromise on the issue. He stated that everyone must be treated equally before the law and that the government should not bend the law in favour of any individual or group. He called for the administration to function strictly according to the law and ensure that the same legal standards apply to everyone.
The 23-point petition submitted by the CPI covered a range of civic and development concerns in Coimbatore, with the party urging the district administration and state government to take action on the issues raised. (ANI)
CPI stages protest in Coimbatore, submits 23-point petition to Collector
