BJP, YSRCP claim credit for PM visit to Vizag

Visakhapatnam: The Bharatiya Janata Party and the YSR Congress Party, who are known for their hot blow cold relationship, appear to be indulging in political shadow boxing over the proposed tour of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Visakhapatnam to take part in launching and inaugurating of several projects.

Even as officials are reviewing security aspects for the VVIP visit, it is anticipated that Modi will reach the City of Destiny on the evening of November 11, address a huge public meeting on the grounds of Andhra University Engineering College and take part in the inauguration and laying of stone for various mega projects the next day.

Even as the word spread on Modi's visit, the TDP announced that it will try to raise protest over Daspalla land scam and other irregularities committed by YSRCP. Ruling party MLC Varudu Kalyani immediately accused TDP of trying to spoil the brand image of Visakhapatnam on the eve of the VVIP visit. Education Minister Botcha Satyanarayana said the Prime Minister would be invited to lay the stone for Bhogapuram International Airport, which has been awarded to GMR Group.

Reacting to the claim by a section of YSRCP leaders that they will ensure a huge turnout at the public meeting, BJP national spokesman and Rajya Sabha member GVL Narasimha Rao and State BJP president Somu Veeraju said the entire development of Visakhapatnam is being done with Centrally-sponsored projects. They said as per their information, the Prime Minister is coming to the city to take part in the stone-laying/commissioning of government of India-funded projects. "It is only a tentative programme. Only after release of final schedule will know in what programmes he will take part," Narasimha Rao said.

Modi is slated to lay stone for South Coastal Railway zone with headquarters at Visakhapatnam, the beautification of city railway station at a cost of Rs 400 crore, inaugurate ESI Hospital, launch International Maritime Cruise Terminal and dedicate HPCL Visakh Refinery expansion project to the nation. The refinery capacity has been expanded from 8.33 million tonne to 15 million tonne at a cost of Rs 26,000 crore.

According to reports, Governor Biswa Bhushan Harichandan, Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy and a galaxy of dignitaries will take part in the Prime Minister's programmes.

Industries Minister Gudivada Amarnath said elaborate arrangements are being made for the Prime Minister's programmes and public meeting. He also held a meeting with District Collector A Mallikarjuna on the VVIP visit.

After reviewing the arrangements for the Prime Minister's visit, YSRCP Parliamentary Party leader V Vijaya Sai Reddy said all the parties should give a rousing reception to the Prime Minister. He said "no one should claim credit for his visit as he is the Prime Minister of the entire nation," adding two grounds at Andhra University Engineering College would be prepared for the public meeting proposed on the morning of November 12. He said itinerary of the Prime Minister will be finalised in a day or two.

Asked to comment whether the Prime Minister will be invited to lay stone for Bhogapuram International Airport, he indicated that as acquisition of a piece of land for the airport project is sub judice, the function may not take place immediately. He said the Chief Minister's Office and the Prime Minister's Office are in touch regarding the Prime Minister visit.

The district administration does not want to take any chance in view of protests by the employees of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant in protest against Centre's decision for disinvestment of Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL), the corporate entity of VSP. The Amaravati JAC, which is on a maha padayatra may also protest demanding retention of Amaravati as common capital of Andhra Pradesh.