The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Sops: Rosaiah’s poser to Naidu

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Monday, Jan 21, 2008
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Sops: Rosaiah’s poser to Naidu

‘TDP trying to hoodwink people in the name of various schemes with an eye on the next elections’

K. Rosaiah

HYDERABAD: Finance Minister K. Rosaiah has asked Telugu Desam Party president N. Chandrababu Naidu to explain to the people the sudden shift in his stand that is prompting him to announce spree of sops to all sections.

Mr. Naidu who opposed free power tooth and nail earlier and fixed ceiling on old-age widow and other pensions during his nine-year-rule should clarify about the change in his party’s stand.

“The sops announced for different sections are welcome, but they should be accompanied by a proper reasoning for people to believe,” he said.

Addressing a press conference here on Sunday, Mr. Rosaiah charged the TDP with trying to hoodwink people in the name of various schemes with an eye on the next elections. “Mr. Naidu’s repeated claim that he will implement the schemes when TDP comes back to power reflects the party’s uncertainty over its poll prospects,” he said.

‘Suppressing people’

Reminding how the TDP tried to “suppress people agitating against power tariff hike and mounted police was pressed into service to quell the anganwadi workers” said people were not prepared to be carried away by the TDP’s campaign and they would react at an “appropriate time.”

Rice scheme

Replying to queries, he refuted the charge that the government was contemplating to implement the Rs. 2 a kg rice scheme in view of the elections. A decision to implement the scheme was taken in principle after a four-month exercise on the State’s financial position.

Refuses comment

On the difference of opinion on separate Telangana within the Congress, he said it was not proper on his part to comment on the issue as it was left to the party high command.

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