The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Congress asks TDP not to stall projects

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Sunday, May 01, 2005

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Congress asks TDP not to stall projects

Special Correspondent

`Delay in execution of schemes will cost State dearly'

HYDERABAD: The Congress Legislature Party (CLP) has urged the TDP not to create hurdles in the early completion of irrigation projects in the State as any delay will be detrimental to the interests of Andhra Pradesh.

Addressing a press conference here on Saturday, the CLP spokesperson, G. Muddukrishnama Naidu, said the TDP had already harmed the interests of the State during its nine-year rule by "abetting" Karnataka rulers in the illegal construction of projects on the upper Krishna and its tributaries.

Allocation to Karnataka

The then Chief Minister, N. Chandrababu Naidu, had not only remained silent when Karnataka floated Krishna Jala Nigam bonds and raised money but also helped H. D. Deve Gowda become Prime Minister, later.

The latter grabbed the opportunity to increase allocations to Karnataka's irrigation sector to complete projects like Alamatti.

The TD Government just passed a resolution in the Assembly here opposing irrigation bonds but did not pursue the matter for reasons best known to it.

Mr. Muddukrishnama Naidu said the TDP was continuing its "hostile attitude" towards the development of the State even now by opposing irrigation project at every stage.

It not only encouraged people to move court against the projects but also was trying to build public opinion.

Surplus waters

Despite the best intentions of the Government in inviting all parties to the open debate on tenders, the TDP had refused to depute a technocrat and instead was sending a politician to divert the issue.

Reminding the TDP that if it were to complete pending projects during its tenure, the State would have had a right over surplus water in the Krishna by now, he said the State had no time to waste now.

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