Cong. protest against Kuppam project

By Our Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD, SEPT. 22. The Congress staged a walk out in the Assembly, on Saturday, after stalling proceedings for over 50 minutes demanding a statement from the Government on its failure in implementing Israel-assisted technology in Kuppam, the Assembly constituency of the Chief Minister, Mr. N. Chandrababu Naidu.

As soon as the House assembled, the Congress members led by Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, pressed for a debate on their adjournment motion on the Kuppam project, where drip irrigation technologies developed by Israel deployed for community farming had failed to yield the desired results.

They alleged that the Government had wasted a sum of Rs.15 crores on consultancy charges for the unsuccessful project. However, the Speaker, Mrs. K. Pratibha Bharathi, disallowed the adjournment motion of the Congress as also two more tabled by the BJP and CPI(M) and urged the members to get on with the listed agenda.

The Minister for Legislative Affairs, Mr. Y. Ramakrishnudu, criticised the Congress members for raising new issues bypassing the regular agenda instead of giving proper notices at the beginning of the session. Dr. Reddy, however, pointed out that the Congress had tabled a call attention motion on the project but it was never taken up.

Meanwhile, the BJP floor leader, Mr. N. Indrasena Reddy, pressed for a reply from the Home Minister on reports that posters and slogans hailing Osama Bin Laden had appeared in Kamareddy town of Nizamabad district. The CPI(M) member, Mr. N. Narsimhaiah, sought a discussion on his party's adjournment motion on acquisition of Government and panchayat lands for the Oakwell power project in Devarapalli village of East Godavari district.

The wrangle continued until Dr. Reddy led his partymen to a walk out after accusing the Government of preventing discussion on important issues. Mr. Indrasena Reddy also lodged a protest at the Government's casual attitude on an issue relating to the security of the State.

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : Southern States
Previous : TRS chief wins Siddipet byelection
Next     : Compounding fee for power theft will be brought
           down: CM