The Hindu : We stand by our demand: Naidu

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Apr 21, 2002

Front Page

Front Page

We stand by our demand: Naidu

By Our Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD APRIL 20. The Telugu Desam Party, a key ally of the BJP-led coalition at the Centre, has made it clear that there is no rethinking or softening of its demand for a change of leadership in Gujarat and that it would continue to press for it in Parliament.

"There is no change. As a party, our decision is one hundred per cent right, which is why our MPs are vigorously pressing for debate. The decision is not influenced by narrow political considerations but larger national interests", the TDP leader and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, N. Chandrababu Naidu, told party leaders.

Mr. Naidu addressed letters to the MLAs, zilla parishad chairpersons, elected leaders, district presidents and other key functionaries to provide "clarity" on the important issue. He is also sending letters to them spelling out his stand on reforms, particularly in the power sector.

He noted that the TDP was the first to condemn both the Godhra carnage and the continuing violence. When law and order was threatened, it was the duty of the Government to act firmly to restore confidence of all sections. Obviously this was not done. The Gujarat Government could not also make good use of the Army and paramilitary assistance. Mr. Vajpayee's visit failed to boost people's confidence. The Gujarat violence had an impact on other parts of the country, including Andhra Pradesh, where it was controlled by timely action. It had also prevented "kar sevaks" going to Ayodhya for "shilanyas" in March. Unlike other parties "it was not hasty" in calling for Mr. Modi's replacement as it felt the restoration of normality and succour to the victims were more important. With the situation worsening there and the administration failing to inspire confidence, the party was convinced that a change of leadership was inevitable in the larger national interest. The party reiterated its demand for effective maintenance of law and order, bringing the guilty to book and rendering all help to the victims of violence..

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Front Page

Stories in this Section

NDA is united, says PM

BJP leaders discuss strategy

We stand by our demand: Naidu

Fernandes claim denied

Sachin catches up with the Don

Pak. asks Indian official to leave

U.N. team for Jenin

39 Indians die in mishap

'BSF men raped girl at gunpoint'