The Hindu : Front Page : TDP will come back to power: Naidu

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Sunday, May 28, 2006

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TDP will come back to power: Naidu

K. Venkateshwarlu

Mahanadu begins in historic town; focus on issues concerning ryots and the poor

COLOURFUL APPEARANCE: TDP president Chandrababu Naidu wearing Kommu tribal turban at NTR Pranganam at Rajahmundry, where TDP's three-day Mahanadu began on Saturday. — Photo:C.V. Subrahmanyam

RAJAHMUNDRY: Telugu Desam's Mahanadu, third one after assuming the role of Opposition, began in this historic town on Saturday with party president N. Chandrababu Naidu expressing confidence of the party getting back its past glory and of returning to power.

Addressing party delegates, who numbered 2000 more than the expected 10,000, Mr. Naidu said his confidence stemmed from the enthusiasm of the cadre. "You are weathering many a storm, facing a regime that is bent on harassing and eliminating us and ruin us economically. I am happy that I see no sign of getting demoralised."

Though he touched upon varied subjects from UPA rule at the Centre to panchayat elections in his hour-long inaugural speech, he wanted to use the Mahanadu to boost morale of the cadre and motivate them to strive for bringing back the sections that have drifted from the party besides strengthening the organisation. "We need to focus on the problems faced by farmers and the poor in particular by launching a relentless struggle. Both these sections are neglected by the Government."

The Mahanadu began with Mr. Naidu hoisting the party flag, launching a blood donation camp and a photo exhibition on party founder N. T.Rama Rao. The town was painted yellow with flags and buntings tied all over.

A part of the sprawling Arts College grounds covered became the venue for the Mahanadu, described by Mr. Naidu as historic for the party was entering its silver jubilee year. Party general secretary Kadiam Srihari read out his report.

Mr. Naidu said the Congress Government had no achievement worth the name. It had ailed to check price rise.

Gold prices had gone up so much so that the poor will have to tie a turmeric piece as mangalasutra instead of the gold one.

Power sector was in a mess and free power supply to farmers a farce with 125 farmers dying of electric shock while switching on the pump sets during night and from snake bites.

Telugu Desam was not against irrigation projects as alleged by the Government but corruption in the tendering process.

He was equally critical of the Central Government.

"We have a Prime Minister who is remote controlled by All-India Congress Committee president Sonia Gandhi," he observed, and criticised its policy towards Iran, the way it was seeped in corruption and ignoring the farm sector.

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