HYDERABAD: The Andhra Pradesh Assembly adopted a resolution unanimously on Tuesday expressing displeasure at the State being denied its due share in the Railway budget for the 2007-08 fiscal but, at the same time, congratulated the Centre for making it pro-poor and passenger-friendly.

The resolution, proposed by Chief Minister Y. S. Rajasekhar Reddy, said: "The Assembly congratulates the Union Government for proposing a pro-poor and passenger-friendly railway budget.

However, it expresses serious concern that the Andhra Pradesh has not been given its due share."

The Chief Minister said Rs. 127-crore allocation for Andhra Pradesh was meagre.

The long-awaited railway coach factory at Kazipet and the concrete sleeper unit at Bitragunta found no mention.

CPI (M) floor leader Nomula Narsimhaiah, Ch. Venkata Reddy (CPI) and K. Ramulu (Janata) suggested that Dr. Reddy lead an all-party delegation to New Delhi to highlight the injustice done to the State and get the allocations re-examined, but the latter did not respond.

TDP deputy floor leader T. Devender Goud said the Assembly should strongly protest against the Railway Minister for not saying a word about the Multi-Modal Transport System (MMTS) in Hyderabad.

Of the 32 new trains announced, Secunderabad-Yeshwanthpur Garib Rath Express was the only consolation, he saidBJP member G. Kishan Reddy charged Congress MPs and the Union Ministers from the State with failing to ensure a decent package to the State.

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