Telangana, Andhra Pradesh fluorosis-hit to fight PM Modi in Varanasi

HYDERABAD: The issue of fluoride contamination of groundwater is likely to resonate in PM Narendra Modi’s constituency Varanasi with fluorosis victims from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh planning to contest against the PM in the Lok Sabha polls. As of now, two victims and two activists plan to file their nominations from Varanasi for the polls on May 19. The nominations begin on April 22.

The two activists in poll fray are Vadde Srinivas of ‘Poola Subbaiah Veligonda Project Sadhana Samithi’ (Prakasam, AP) and Jalagam Sudheer (Nalgonda, Telangana). The names of the victims are yet to be finalised. “The ailment affects physical movement. So, without making it difficult for them, we will take only those who can travel to Varanasi to file the nominations,” Sudheer said, adding that they were scouting for local Telugu organisations to get support during the polls.

Fluorosis crippled lives of people in Nalgonda

Sudheer, a software professional who came back to India from the US a couple of years ago, said: “Fluorosis has crippled the lives of people in Nalgonda. The idea of contesting against the PM is to highlight the issue.”

He said that a representation was also made to chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao.

“The Telangana government had allocated eight acres for setting up a Regional Fluoride Mitigation Centre in Nalgonda, but the centre did not release the promised Rs 100 cr,” Sudheer told TOI.

Fluorosis leads to skeletal, dental and neurological abnormalities and is a major problem in many states. The regional centre planned in Nalgonda was to cater to the victims in as many as eight states, including Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

“Many victims are even developing kidney problems,” Vadde Srinivas said, adding that there were thousands of victims, including children, in Prakasam and Nalgonda districts.