The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : TDP, BJP allege dilution of free power promise

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Sep 12, 2004

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

TDP, BJP allege dilution of free power promise

By Our Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD, SEPT.11. The Telugu Desam has demanded that the Government implement its pre-poll promise of free power to single bulb households instead of a watered down subsidy of Rs.10 to households whose monthly electricity charge is Rs. 25 at present.

`People cheated'

Speaking to newsmen, the former Ministers, Y. Ramakrishnudu, T. Devender Goud and J. R. Pushparaj, charged the ruling party with deceiving people by going back on its promise. It was one of the main planks on which they sought votes. Its leaders made "tall promises" and maintained that the expenditure incurred by the TDP regime for publicity would be sufficient to provide free power. The Chief Minister, Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, and the Finance Minister, K. Rosaiah, assured the Assembly that the details were being worked out and the scheme would be implemented. "But yesterday the Government threw up its hands saying that it was not possible," they added.

The TDP leaders said the Congress had the history of failing to implement pre-election promises and cited how the party went back on its assurance in Punjab. Before elections, the Congress leaders were fully aware it was not feasible. Wondering what happened to the "will," in an oblique reference to the statement of Dr. Reddy ( `where there is will, there is a way'), they claimed that the "true colours" of the Congress leaders were exposed and the people would teach them a `fitting lesson.'

`Unreliable party'

The BJP also criticised the Government for diluting its pre-poll promise. The State BJP president, N. Indrasena Reddy and the general secretary, K. Haribabu, told reporters that it was nothing but cheating the public. The Congress Government had gone back on its pre-poll promise after including free supply of power to single bulb-holders in its election manifesto.

The Congress ceased to have the moral right to continue in power. The latest decision proved that Congress was a party that could not be relied upon.

The CPI (M) State unit described as "unjust" and "improper" the Government's decision on power supply.

In a statement, B. V. Raghavulu, secretary of the party, demanded the scrapping of the decision and provision of free power to all those poor who use less than 30 units without limiting the number of bulbs.

Piece meal: CPI(M)

The CPI(M) leader objected to the "piece meal" decisions of the government without evolving a comprehensive policy, which, he said, would only lead to deepening of crisis on the power front. He wanted the Government to undertake a review of the Power Purchase Agreements, secure expert opinion and evolve a suitable policy.

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