The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Chitvel incident: Naidu blames government

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Saturday, Nov 03, 2007
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Chitvel incident: Naidu blames government

Staff Reporter

District Collector and SP also criticised

KADAPA: Telugu Desam Party president N. Chandrababu Naidu on Friday alleged that government failure led to drowning of seven passengers of a stranded bus in Gunjana river in Chitvel.

Addressing people during his ‘Eruvaka’ road show in Kadapa district, he criticised the government’s rescue operations although Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy was present in Kadapa. Recalling that he laid foundation stone for five bridges, estimated to cost Rs. 11 crores, across Buggavanka stream running in the midst of Kadapa city, he lamented that they were yet to be completed. Underground drainage in Kadapa was still a far cry. He described ‘Jalayagnam’ as a money-spinner’.

The government failed to ensure welfare of farmers, poor and downtrodden sections, he alleged. He accused Congressmen of usurping mines and plundering mineral wealth. The government failed to check rampant red sanders smuggling in Kadapa district, the TDP chief alleged. Referring to the Chitvel incident, he criticised Kadapa Collector M.T. Krishna Babu and SP Y. Nagi Reddy, for not rushing to the scene to personally supervise rescue operations.

Paddy MSP

Mr. Naidu said he undertook ‘Eruvaka’ campaign to highlight the plight of paddy farmers in view of inadequate minimum support price fixed. Demanding implementation of Swaminathan Committee report, he urged paddy growers in KC Canal area in Kadapa and Kurnool districts to join the struggle.

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