Tribal Workers Allege Non-Payment of Wages
A massive protest by tribal people in Vijayawada turned tense as around 200 tribal workers alleged that they had been cheated after working for several months without receiving their wages. The victims claimed that Pamarthi Raja, who they allege is a close associate of Minister Kollu Ravindra, failed to pay them nearly ₹1.50 crore in pending wages.
The tribal workers said they have been repeatedly demanding payment of their hard-earned wages, but their dues have remained unpaid for months.
Victims Allege No Response from Minister
According to the protesters, they had already brought the issue to the attention of Minister Kollu Ravindra. However, they alleged that there had been no response or concrete action from his side.
Seeking justice, the tribal workers decided to take out a rally in Vijayawada and approach Kanaka Durga Ammavaru to seek divine intervention in resolving their issue.
Police Stop Rally, Protesters Block National Highway
As the tribal workers proceeded with their rally, Ibrahimpatnam police reportedly stopped them. Angered by the police action, the protesters sat on the national highway and staged a road blockade, demanding immediate payment of their pending wages.
The situation reportedly became tense as the protesters insisted that they would not withdraw their agitation until their dues were cleared.
Earlier Protest Outside TDP Headquarters
This is not the first time the tribal workers have raised the issue. Around two months ago, tribal people from Kattubadipalem village in G. Konduru mandal of the Mylavaram constituency in NTR district staged a protest outside the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) central office in Mangalagiri.
At that time too, the protesters alleged that Pamarthi Raja had engaged them for several months but failed to pay their wages. They had demanded that the pending amount be released immediately.
Allegations of Insults and Repeated Appeals
The tribal workers further alleged that they had approached Pamarthi Raja several times seeking payment of their dues, but their requests did not yield any result. They also claimed that they were allegedly insulted when they sought their hard-earned money.
During the earlier protest, the workers reportedly sat in front of the main entrance of the TDP office, making it clear that they would not back down until their wages were paid.
Protest Continues Despite Lack of Assurance
However, the protesters said they did not receive a clear assurance from either party leaders or government representatives at the time.
With the issue still unresolved, the tribal workers have once again intensified their protest by undertaking a padayatra towards the Kanaka Durga Ammavari temple in Vijayawada.
The protesters have made it clear that they will continue their agitation until their pending wages are paid and justice is done.
