The Hindu : Nexus with naxals won't help Congress: Naidu

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Feb 25, 2004

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Nexus with naxals won't help Congress: Naidu

By Our Staff Reporter

RAYACHOTI, FEB. 24. The Chief Minister, N. Chandrababu Naidu, asserted on Tuesday that the Congress would not gain political mileage from its `nexus' with naxalites, but would have to pay a heavy price.

Addressing ruling party functionaries at Sai Institute of Technology and Science at Rayachoti, Mr. Naidu reiterated his charge that the Congress colluded with naxalites and hence was not condemning naxalite killings. The naxalites were not finding fault with the Opposition on any count, but terrorising and targeting Telugu Desam Party and Bharatiya Janata Party functionaries, he alleged. He flayed the Telangana Rashtra Samithi for decrying the TDP for making naxalism a poll agenda.

Calling upon naxalites to join the mainstream, he told partymen to strive for strengthening the TDP and ensure that it regained power, without fearing naxalites or the Congress. He cautioned that the people would be losers if political leaders could not move about freely. Condemning the gunning down of TDP leaders, Y. Ravindra Reddy and S. Basi Reddy, in the past and the latest killing of the Lakkireddipalle market committee chairman, P. Vasudeva Reddy, and the Ramapuram ZPTC member, V. Siddhaiah, he said they were involved in social service, but did not harm anyone.

Referring to Vasudeva Reddy being shot dead by a naxalite, who studied under him, he said they lacked any philosophy and misguided elements treading the wrong path were hampering public welfare. The historic success of `Vijayabheri' and the overwhelming turnout despite naxal threats, indicated that people were keen on voting the TDP to power again. He earlier had closed-door discussions with TDP leaders in the college. The Minister for Housing, P. Ramasubba Reddy, the Minister for Woman and Child Welfare, S. Saraswathi, the Rajya Sabha members, C. Ramachandraiah and S. Ramamuni Reddy, and member of the dissolved Lok Sabha from Rajampet, G. Ramaiah.

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