The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : BJP sees bid to delay civic polls

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Friday, Jan 21, 2005

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

BJP sees bid to delay civic polls

By Our Staff Reporter

HYDERABAD, JAN. 20. The Bharatiya Janata Party said here today that the Chief Minister, Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy, was afraid of holding municipal elections because of the losing popularity.

Addressing a press conference here on Thursday, the BJP president, N. Indrasena Reddy, questioned Dr. Reddy's reluctance to hold civic polls on schedule even as the term of the civic bodies expires in March. The State Election Commission had stipulated that at least 160 days are needed to hold elections, he pointed out and said, "uncertainty looms large among the elected representatives." The Government wants to appoint nodal officers once the term of the local bodies expired, he alleged.

`No development'

Through the `nagara baata' programme in the municipal towns, Dr. Reddy was trying to woo urban people. The Government had not taken any step since the last eight months to develop the municipalities, he alleged.

Mr. Indrasena Reddy said the Government had no clarity on the creation of new municipalities as no guidelines were followed. He accused the Government of forcing the municipal bodies to pass resolution seeking more funds. The promise of Rs. 1,000 crores World Bank aid for municipalities has not been fulfilled, he added.

To a question on escalating violence, Mr. Reddy said it is for the Government to take necessary steps to see that the peace talks continue. The BJP had always favoured talks and would not mind attending an all-party meeting on the issue. The BJP general secretary, Naresh, vice-president, S. V. Seshagiri Rao and State executive member, Prithvi Raj, were present.

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