PDF Candidates Receive Strong Backing From Dalit And Tribal Associations

Vijayawada: In a show of support for integrity and public service, the Dalit Tribal Workers’ Public Associations have endorsed the Progressive Democratic Front (PDF) candidates for the upcoming Graduate and Teacher MLC elections in Andhra Pradesh. The candidates include KS Lakshmana Rao (Krishna-Guntur Graduates’ Constituency), Didla Veera Raghavulu (Godavari Districts Graduates’ Constituency), and K Vijaya Gowri (Uttarandhra Teachers’ Constituency).

• Round table meeting at Vijayawada Press Club

A round table meeting, organized under the chairmanship of Andra Malyadri, State General Secretary of the Anti-Caste Discrimination Struggle Association (KVPS), was held at the Vijayawada Press Club. Several prominent leaders participated, including DBF Founding President Koriv Vinay Kumar, Bahujan leader Kolanakonda Shivaji, Ambedkar Youth Association State President Bathula Veeraswamy, and KVPS District Secretary G Nagaraj, among others.

• Lakshmana Rao’s record of service praised

During the discussions, speakers highlighted KS Lakshmana Rao’s unwavering commitment to social causes. They noted his efforts in securing funds for Dalits and tribals in the Legislative Council and his persistent demand for filling backlog vacancies. As a constructive opposition member, Lakshmana Rao represented the interests of employees, teachers, pensioners, contract and outsourcing workers, Anganwadi and ASHA workers, medical and health employees, tenant farmers, and Gurukul and Kasturba staff.

• A call to support people’s movements

The leaders emphasized that PDF candidates will actively support movements aimed at Andhra Pradesh’s development, implementation of bifurcation guarantees, and securing special status for the state. They vowed to resist the privatization of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant and oppose privatization policies in the education and health sectors while advocating for the protection of public institutions.

• Opposition to pension reforms and advocacy for OPS

The gathering reiterated its strong stance against the National Pension System (NPS), Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), Guaranteed Pension Scheme (GPS), and Unified Pension Scheme (UPS). Instead, they pledged full support for the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) and ongoing movements advocating its revival.

• Appeal to voters

Leaders urged graduates to cast their first-preference votes for PDF candidates in the February 27 elections, emphasizing that their victory would strengthen people’s movements and ensure continued advocacy for public welfare in the Legislative Council.

(Source: IAIJ/BIN/DPJB)