Opposition stir plan opportunistic: CM

By Our Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD, DEC. 31. The Chief Minister, Mr.N.Candrababu Naidu, has described the move of the Opposition parties to disturb the 14th round of Janmabhoomi (to be held from Jan 2 to 8) as sheer political opportunism.

"They are trying to exploit the problems faced by farmers instead of cooperating with the Government in redressing the crisis. But it would not pay off," Mr.Naidu fumed in a sharp reaction to the threat of the Congress-I and the Left parties to confront Government representatives during the Janmabhoomi.

Mr. Naidu said he was prepared for a debate on what his Government had done for the farmers in the last five years. Mr. Naidu answered questions on the challenges faced by his Government on the farm front, the nagging problems in the power sector with the AP Transco unable to tide over the huge losses and the fight with the NDA Government in forcing it to pursue the common agenda.

Question: What is the significance of the current round of the Janmabhoomi when farmers are reeling under an unprecedented crisis?

Answer: The problems faced by the farmer are not peculiar to Andhra Pradesh. The production of foodgrains has shot up from 124 million tonnes in 1989 to 163 lakh tonnes (the projected target for the current year). But the production cost also has gone up. The emphasis of extension programme would be on reducing the cost of cultivation by rationalising use of fertilizers and pesticides. The implications of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) should be debated. We want these issues focussed during the Janmabhoomi.

The Opposition parties, however, accuse the Government of having failed to ensure remunerative price for their produce. They want to raise the issue at gram sabha. What is your reply?

Their allegation is unfounded. We have fought with the Government of India and even toyed with the idea of withdrawing our support. We had done our best and the Centre had intervened. The Opposition parties want to organise agitations. Is there any mood for agitation now? People are fed up with politics.

The Congress and the Left parties cited the huge losses incurred by the Transco as a warning of another hefty hike in power tariff?

The campaign about impending hike in power tariff is misleading. Yet I welcome the debate. The Congress-I is playing a double game. It opposes reforms in AP while its Governments in Delhi, Karnataka and other States are in hot pursuit of reforms. The Government has nothing to do with tariff revision. Even a year after the formation of the A.P. Electricity Regulatory Commission, its role is not being clearly understood by critics. But the debate would help clear the confusion.

Your latest statement on decentralisation of power and strengthening village-level administration too led to a controversy?

It is unfortunate that nobody talks about good governance. The Government would go in for decentralisation at all levels, replacing outdated laws. It is a continuous process.

The BJP, despite being a friendly party, continues to embarrass your Government?

Yes, they have also reacted prematurely against an imagined tariff hike. We shall put forth our arguments. We have not compromised on any issue. But we are not for political instability at the Centre. Therefore we were wary when the Congress and other parties raised the issue of Ayodhya.

Is it true that the Prime Minister invited you to Delhi to sort out the irritants in the TDP-BJP ties?

Let us see. If he invites, I shall go and there is no problem in discussing issues.

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