Opposition distorting facts on Telugu Sena, says CM

By Our Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD, JULY 10. Annoyed by the Opposition outcry over the setting up of Telugu Sena, the ruling Telugu Desam Party charged the Opposition with `distorting facts and imputing motives where none exist'.

In a spirited reaction late on Monday, the party president and Chief Minister, Mr. N. Chandrababu Naidu, appealed to the people to ignore the Opposition attempts to fan baseless apprehensions among the people for political gain.

The Chief Minister regretted that the Opposition should seek to politicise even innocuous measures like setting up a corps of volunteers to help in the proper and smooth conduct of party programmes and meetings.

The prime objective of Telugu Sena was to ensure effective implementation of Government schemes and reach of the benefits to the targeted poor. It was `ridiculous' to say it was promoted to encourage violence as propagated by the Opposition, he said, adding `it is normal for any party to have a volunteers wing'.

Mr. Naidu said the party never believed in violence. It always tried to cleanse the body politic of criminal elements and was probably the only party to openly urge the people to defeat any of its candidate if he or she had a crime record. The party observed dignity and restraint despite provocation, because it always believed that `counter-violence is no answer to violence'.

The Chief Minister released the code of conduct framed for the Telugu Sena volunteers to dispel misapprehensions about its objectives. The code enjoins upon its members, among others, to actively participate in development programmes, help in the proper conduct of party programmes like Janmabhoomi etc, be at the forefront in helping people in times of natural calamities or other emergencies, extend cooperation and help to weaker sections, particularly women, treat with respect people of all faiths, castes and creed, safeguard and protect public property, lead an austere and moral life, uphold and practice lofty ideals and values and by their exemplary conduct enhance the prestige of the party.

In the face of criticism voiced by the Left parties and the Congress over the Telugu Sena, Mr. Naidu discussed the matter with party colleagues here tonight and issued the rejoinder.

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Section  : Southern States
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