The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : YSR's move questioned

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Dec 13, 2006
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

YSR's move questioned

Staff Reporter

Accused of violating Land Ceiling Act

HYDERABAD: Unimpressed by Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy's move to surrender 618 acres of land declared excess under ceiling law, the Opposition demanded booking of a case for illegally holding such large extent of land and enjoying benefits from it for over 30 years.

In a swift reaction, Telugu Desam Legislature Party secretary E. Dayakar Rao wondered what the Chief Minister was doing all these years. "How can a Chief Minister, who claims to be an ardent follower of the late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, not abide by the provisions of the ceiling law which she was instrumental in bringing?"

Mr. Dayakar Rao said, in contrast, his family had surrendered over 200 acres as soon as the ceiling law came into effect 35 years ago. He also wondered why land, which had not much of value, was being surrendered and not the lands allegedly owned by his family members in and around Hyderabad.

His party colleague N. Janardhan Reddy said land ceiling laws clearly specified that excess land would have to be declared within 60 days.

`Pre-empting demand'

TRS floor leader G. Vijayarama Rao described it as an action to pre-empt the demand that could follow after initiating action against some media barons and others. It is not a great sacrifice as such excess land was to be surrendered long ago.

CPI State Secretary K. Narayana said that the Chief Minister's decision to hand over the lands was raising several questions such as on what basis the lands would be reclaimed and whether the land fell under the jurisdiction of the Andhra Pradesh Land Reforms (Ceiling on Agricultural Holds) Act. Not ignorant

CPI (M) floor leader N. Narsimhaiah faulted the Chief Minister for holding excess lands in violation of the provisions under law. "Ignorance of law cannot be an excuse in such cases," he said demanding that the Government initiate steps to vest similar holdings in possession of individuals.

At a separate press conference, BJP Floor Leader in the Assembly G. Kishan Reddy demanded a "comprehensive probe" into the issue. Mr. Reddy said that many leaders were holding excess land in "benami names" and wanted the probe to cover these leaders also. He demanded publication of a "white paper" giving details of the violators of the Act.

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