The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Attack me, not my projects: YSR

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Nov 20, 2004

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Attack me, not my projects: YSR

By Our Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD, NOV. 19. The Chief Minister, Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, has appealed to political parties not to "play politics" and stall developmental activities to the detriment of the State. "It is a life and death question for us. What do you prefer, projects or politics?" he questioned the detractors.

"We have already lost prosperity in Krishna basin due to inter-State politics. Low thinking for petty political ends will only harm our interests further. You can attack my party and me as long as you want to be in the focus. But do not come in the way of the irrigation projects," he told the Opposition.

On HC verdict

Talking to the mediapersons on Friday on the reverses the Government suffered in the case of irrigation projects, he said the Government would respect the verdict of the High Court and make corrections. But, the Government's intentions could not be doubted. "Even the Court upheld our policy," he said citing Thursday's judgement.

"Have you come across instances where developmental work was stalled in the neighbouring States? Did we create hurdles in the way of development here while in opposition?" he asked.

Linking of rivers

Reiterating that inter-linking of Godavari-Krishna rivers was the only solution to the irrigation problems, he said the Government was always open to meaningful criticism.

Recalling his 1,500 kms long `Praja Prasthanam' undertaken last year, he said he had seen impoverishment from close quarters.

"Those in penury need a healing touch. If you have seen those tears, you will know how to wipe them out," he added.

He said the idea of interlinking the rivers was conceived by him during the gruelling walkathon as a lasting solution to the problems of farmers as he was sure that only a rejuvenated farm activity would revitalise the rural economy.

`Tender' measures

He added the Government would take corrective measures in calling the tenders as per the court directive and also put pressure on the Centre for speedy clearances for all projects while reminding the opposition that the Telugu Ganga or Devadula projects too were taken up without clearances.

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