Prakash Raj takes on Centre, States over privatisation and dissent

Film actor Prakash Raj criticised the Centre and State governments, accusing them of pushing privatisation of key sectors such as healthcare and major public sector units, including the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant. He said only sustained mass movements could stop what he described as anti-people, anti-worker and anti-farmer policies.

Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the 18th All India Conference of the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) on Saturday, Mr. Prakash Raj said he attended the conference out of a sense of moral responsibility. Referring to the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, he alleged that the government was moving towards handing it over to private players and favouring corporate interests.

He alleged that citizens who questioned the government were being targeted by the police and through the use of preventive detention laws. At the same time, he claimed, accused in serious cases such as the murder of activist Gauri Lankesh and the Unnao rape case were out on bail.

Criticising the State government’s proposal to run medical colleges under the Public Private Partnership model, he said the move would increase the burden on the public. He said it was for people to decide whom they should support, adding that sustained agitations had earlier forced the Karnataka government to withdraw its decision to hand over 1,007 acres of land to corporates.

On films such as The Kerala Story and Dhurandhar, Mr. Prakash Raj alleged that political parties were investing in cinema to influence public opinion and said those in power were even campaigning for such films.

He also condemned remarks made by Tollywood actor Sivaji against women and called for boycotts if film ticket prices were increased unreasonably. Former MLA M. A. Gafoor and CITU State general secretary Ch. Narasing Rao were present.