The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Minister joins protesters!

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Sep 17, 2004

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Minister joins protesters!

By Our Staff Reporter

KURNOOL, SEPT. 16. The Minister for Lift Irrigation and Rain Shadow Area Development, M. Mareppa, caused a flutter here on Thursday by squatting in front of the State Bank of India branch in solidarity with the SC, ST, BC and minority borrowers. The borrowers led by members of the SC, ST, BC and Minorities Ikya Vedika were staging a dharna seeking loans for weaker sections.

Neglect alleged

Mr. Mareppa who was passing by stopped and joined the protesters. He criticised the bankers for neglecting the weaker sections stating that only 15 per cent of the population had received financial assistance from banks. Though the Prime Minister and the Governor visited the district and promised liberal financial assistance from banks, nothing was happening.

Mr. Mareppa said the very purpose of public sector banks would be defeated if a larger section of the population was ignored. He wanted the bankers to help the poor without subjecting them to long wait.

Forced to join?

Later, Mr. Mareppa said he did not intend to stage dharna but was forced by the protesters to join them. He spent nearly half-an-hour at the dharna camp. The supporters of Mr. Mareppa, however, said the Minister had planned to join them for the last three days.

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