Even Journalists Were Denied Access to Kakinada Port, Says Nadendla Manohar

Andhra Pradesh Minister Nadendla Manohar has alleged that rice allocated for the Public Distribution System (PDS) to benefit the poor was illegally diverted and exported abroad during the previous government’s tenure. Speaking at a press conference in Vijayawada on Sunday, he stated that these illicit activities were carried out extensively over a five-year period through Kakinada Port. According to the minister, access to the port was strictly controlled, with even journalists being denied entry.

Nadendla  Manohar revealed that the state government spends ₹12,800 crore annually on ration rice, yet certain groups systematically misappropriated the grain, depriving its intended beneficiaries.

After the current coalition government assumed power, extensive raids were conducted across the state to address illegal stockpiling of ration rice. The minister stated that inspections carried out in late June at 13 warehouses in Kakinada uncovered 25,000 tons of ration rice that had been illegally hoarded. He emphasized that Kakinada Port had been a focal point of these operations, surpassing other state ports in export activities during the previous administration.

Nadendla Manohar accused the former government of facilitating smuggling operations by creating a "green channel" that allowed ration rice collected from rural areas to be transported to Kakinada Port for export. Highlighting the lack of security at the port, he noted that only 20 personnel were employed, a situation he described as a risk to national security.

To expose those involved and inform the public about the extent of these irregularities, inspections have been intensified at Kakinada Port. The government is taking decisive steps to dismantle the smuggling network operating from the port, he asserted.

The minister pointed out that Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan recently visited the port to examine the situation firsthand. Additionally, Nadendla Manohar questioned why leaders such as Dwarampudi and Kannababu, who previously held key positions in the region, failed to address these issues. He called on former Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy to provide an explanation regarding the alleged irregularities at the port.