The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Naxal threat dampens Praja Patham spirit

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Apr 13, 2005

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Naxal threat dampens Praja Patham spirit

By Our Staff Reporter

WARANGAL, APRIL 12. With the threat from the naxals looming large and lack of funds and powers to people's representatives to accord sanctions to works, the festive spirit is lacking in the Praja Patham programme in the district.

Despite assurances from the police of providing enough security, people's representatives continue to be terrified and the killing of a sarpanch in Parkal mandal on Monday sent shivers among political leaders here.

Not many MLAs are forthcoming to move freely in their constituencies with threat from naxal groups. According to sources, though the police appear to be confident of thwarting any attempt by the naxals, they are bogged down by the possibility of a major attempt by extremists.

"We are studying the consequences of withdrawal of emissaries from peace talks. Will there be any attempt by the extremists in the State and if so, where and how'' said a police officer.

With top leaders -- Ministers D S Redya Naik and Ponnala Lakshmaiah -- staying away from the programme in the district and many MLAs restricting themselves to peripheral areas, the Praja Patham appears to be on a low key.

Mr. Ponnala Lakshmaiah, after a long time, visited the Cheriyal constituency on Tuesday only to oversee the arrangements for the Chief Minister, Y S Rajasekhar Reddy's visit scheduled for Wednesday.

`A good opportunity'

However, some of the TRS MLAs and the Minister, K Vijayarama Rao, were touring their constituencies as part of the Praja Patham. "After a long Assembly session, we are coming to our areas again. This programme provided us an opportunity to meet people. Otherwise, it is very difficult to move in the prevailing atmosphere,'' said a TRS MLA.

It was only the TDP MLAs -- Errabelli Dayakar Rao and V Narender Reddy -- who were touring their constituencies extensively taking part in the Praja Patham. However, they were utilising the programme only to explain to people "how the Government failed" to come to the rescue of farmers and how the Praja Patham programme was designed "without allocating separate funds". They were asking people to question the officials visiting villages.

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