Union Minister resents TDP's ''misinformation campaign''

By Our Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD, APRIL 30. The Union Minister of State for Home, Mr. Ch. Vidyasagar Rao, has asked the Telugu Desam Party to stop its ``campaign of misinformation'' against the Centre for cutting back subsidies on rice, kerosene and other essential commodities.

Mr. Vidyasagar Rao said the tone of this campaign sounded as if the NDA Government was cheating the public in spite of the call by the Prime Minister, Mr. A. B. Vajpayee, to the people well before the budget to brace themselves for ``harsh decisions.'' As it turned out, the decisions were softer than anticipated.

Talking to reporters here on Sunday, he resented the action of TDP leaders in frequently going to the press blaming the Centre for reducing subsidies and demanding more funds for drought relief. The proper course for them was to discuss the problem with the Centre through political or government channels.

Mr. Rao urged the Chief Minister to actively involve all political parties in the 12th round of Janmabhoomi beginning tomorrow with emphasis on ``water conservation'' since this issue touched the lives of all people. Parties, too, must set aside their differences and join the programme, he added.

Welcoming the attempt to give a thrust to conserving water, he said this had been the BJP's political theme song for the last two years starting with its padayatra at Ichampalli for utilising Godavari waters.

The Minister asserted that the Centre was determined to crush the activities of the ISI and the left extremists particularly AP and Bihar. However, the Centre had taken no decision to ban extremist organisations and Mr. L. K. Advani, had only echoed the feelings of extremist-hit States that naxalite outfits should be outlawed.

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Section  : Regional
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