The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Congress alleges smear campaign

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Dec 28, 2004

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Congress alleges smear campaign

By Our Staff Reporter

HYDERABAD, DEC. 27. The Congress Legislature Party on Monday lashed out at the TDP president, N. Chandrababu Naidu, for issuing "irresponsible statements" even as the Government was fully involved in relief operations.

Addressing a press conference, the CLP members led by Agriculture Minister, N. Raghuveera Reddy and Government Chief Whip, N. Kiran Kumar Reddy, took exception to Mr. Naidu's "outbursts."

The CLP found fault with his allegations that relief was tardy and that the tidal wave victims were left to fend for themselves. The Government had swung into action immediately after learning about the magnitude of the calamity. "It is unbecoming of a responsible leader to behave in such a rash manner at Machilipatnam," they observed.

Mr. Raghuveera Reddy said the Chief Minister, Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy, and the Finance Minister, K. Rosaiah, air-dashed to the affected areas and personally supervised relief operations. Other Ministers were asked to undertake tours and monitor the situation. The Government was quick to announce ex gratia.

The CLP members charged Mr. Naidu with trying to derive political mileage out of the human tragedy.

The CLP members -- G. Muddukrishnama Naidu, G. Pratap Reddy, T. Venkat Rao, E. Pratap Reddy, N. Manohar and Murali Mohan, were present.

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