Purandeswari supports PK's claim on illegal transport of PDS rice

Vijayawada: AP BJP chief and Rajamahendravaram MP D. Purandeswari has supported Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan’s claim regarding the illegal export of rice meant for the Public Distribution System (PDS) from Kakinada Port.

Speaking to the media on Saturday, the BJP chief stated that they had been raising the issue for a long time. She welcomed the Deputy Chief Minister's visit to the port and his concerns about potential security breaches, noting the vulnerability of the port. Purandeswari added that the BJP supported Pawan Kalyan’s position on the security issues at the port.

Referring to the inspection by Minister for Civil Supplies Nadendla Manohar, which revealed the illegal transport of PDS rice and its stocking in godowns, Purandeswari stated that it had been found that such rice was being exported from Kakinada Port. She also mentioned that some leaders from the previous YSR Congress regime were allegedly linked to these illegal activities.

The AP BJP chief further highlighted that her party was raising several issues during the ongoing winter session of Parliament to secure funds for the development of Andhra Pradesh. She announced that the Centre had sanctioned Rs 98 crore for the development of Akhanda Godavari in the Rajamahendravaram Lok Sabha constituency for the upcoming Godavari Pushkaralu in 2027. Purandeswari also promised to develop the Havelock Bridge across the Godavari River as a tourism hub and revealed that Rs 75 crore had been allocated for the development of Gandikota.

She added that the AP BJP had gained 25 lakh members in the state, while the national BJP now boasts a membership of 11 crore.