KURNOOL: CPI State committee member K. Ramakrishna has called for all-party panels to study the issue of surplus land in the State. Talking to reporters here on Wednesday, he said the Government should conduct a comprehensive survey to identify the lands held by persons in excess of land ceiling limit.

He said the CPI did not demand the resignation of Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy over the land issue, but was of the view that holding lands against law was unethical. Dr. Reddy and his family should not have possessed the lands for such a long time.

The CPI leader urged the Government to distribute 618 acres of land surrendered by the Chief Minister's family to the poor. The ongoing battle between Ramoji Rao, Chief Editor of Eenadu, and the Chief Minister might have prompted the latter to surrender the land, he said.

He said 40 lakh acres were available for distribution among the poor if the Government was sincere to do the job. About 20 lakh families would benefit from it if given at the rate of two acres.

Mr. Ramakrishna expressed serious concern over falling crop area in Ranga Reddy, Medak and Nalgonda districts because of diversion of land for other purposes. According to him, a total of 5.87 lakh acres were diverted for non-agriculture purpose.

Mr. Ramakrishna said the Government should intervene as the realtors kept the land uncultivated, which was a national waste.

He said the party would support the general strike on December 14.

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