Ready to quit and fight for Vizag as capital, says Dharmana

VISAKHAPATNAM: Revenue Minister Dharmana Prasda Rao said on Friday he is ready to quit and join the struggle for capital status to Visakhapatnam and promote the cause of decentralization of power in the state.

“If the Chief Minister permits, I am ready to quit and join the movement for decentralization,’’ Rao said while addressing members of the newly formed agriculture marketing committee, in Ampole village under Gara mandal of Srikakulam district.

Backing the move to have the administrative capital in north Andhra, the minister said that, for over six decades, the people of this region had to travel long distances to Hyderabad, the former AP’s capital. “Several committees formed by the central government suggested having the executive capital in Visakhapatnam and high court in Kurnool. But Chandrababu Naidu decided to have capital in Amaravati,’’ he said.

He said the Opposition parties wanted to do real estate business in Amaravati by making it the sole capital.

“I am sure lakhs of people will join me in the movement till the goal is achieved,’’ the minister said.