Jana Sena Chief Pawan Kalyan has lashed out at Andhra Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu for the government’s alleged lapses and irregularities in relation to the Kurnool mining blast.
He said, "In each corner of the state, permissions are being taken for 10 acres but operations are being held in 50 acres. Due to these illegal quarries extending from our village to everywhere in the state, there is a huge loss of lives."
On Friday, at least 10 workers were killed in a blast at a quarry in Kurnool district.
Pawan visited Hathi Belagal in Kurnool district and met several family members of the victims. He took stock of the situation from villagers regarding the quarry operations.
He also visited victims who are being treated at Kurnool government hospital and assured them that he would talk to the government regarding compensation.
Pawan alleged that the state government was least bothered about the loss of lives due to blasts in the quarries and was openly bypassing rules and regulations.
Taking a dig at the CM's 'Real Time Governance’, Pawan said, "CM claims he would come to know if there is no power supply in the villages, but why didn't he bother to control illegal quarries and blasts here.”
He further claimed that Chandrababu Naidu has given backing to his ministers and cadre who are allegedly involved in carrying out the illegal quarry operations.
He demanded justice for the people who lost their family members in the blasts and sought the CM’s attention to the problem of 'illegal quarry operations' in the area.
Pawan assured the gathering that he and his party are there to work for the interests of the people and solve their problems.
Earlier, following the blasts, CM Chandrababu Naidu announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 5 lakh each to the kin of the deceased.