The Hindu : `My Govt. responsible for second generation reforms'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Apr 04, 2003

Southern States

Southern States - Andhra Pradesh

`My Govt. responsible for second generation reforms'

By S. Nagesh Kumar

HYDERABAD April 3. Nara Chandrababu Naidu becomes the longest-serving Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh overhauling the record of Kasu Brahmananda Reddy on April 4. Assuming office on September 1, 1995, after unseating N. T. Rama Rao, he began a second term in 1999 leading the TDP to a convincing victory in the Assembly polls on his own.

After seven years, seven months and four days at the helm, he has complete control over the party and the Government today and has joined the likes of B. C. Roy, Mohanlal Sukhadia and more recently, Digvijay Singh, who had long stints as Chief Minister.

To mark this political milestone, Mr. Naidu interacted with mediamen before leaving on a visit to Mauritius. In this interview, he was at his defensive best in talking about his Government and party on a wide range of economic and political issues. After the 90-minute interview, Mr. Naidu emerged as the hard-nosed politician who will give no quarter to his critics. Excerpts:

Q: How do you feel on setting this record?

A: I do not consider this an achievement as I never aspired to become Chief Minister. I started my innings at a young age and I am determined to use this rare opportunity by adopting innovative instead of traditional methods.

Q: How much have the TDP's philosophies changed over the years.

A: Some of the issues we raised are no longer relevant now. We are talking of reforms with a human face. My Government can take the credit for introducing the second generation reforms from 1995. Reform means encouraging efficiency, building capacity, using science & technology and avoiding wastage in the public sector.

Q: Have people accepted the reforms, particularly power reforms.

A: I am convinced that the Government should not be in the business of doing business. In a mixed economy, if you go on investing in PSUs there will be no money left for welfare and development. Power tariff had to be increased because 80 per cent of power is generated from thermal sources and to meet the cost of outside purchases to meet agricultural needs.

The level of acceptance has improved. But, the media is adopting a very negative approach. They believe that they should be anti-establishment and criticise the Government.

Q: What do you believe?

A: They must report facts without constantly harping on negative issues.

Q: How do you react to the media expose about allotment of prime land in the KBR National Park to the Oberoi Group of Hotels.

A: There is no scam in it. We wanted to promote hotels since the organisers of Formula-I racing want 3,000 hotel rooms in Hyderabad before they can bring the show here. The move to sell the land was initiated by the Nizam's heirs who own the Chiran Palace inside the park. How can we stop them from selling away their land. There is no need for fears that a multi-storeyed building will spoil the park since the Oberoi group plans to have cottage-type rooms.

Q: Your views on Dr. Rajasekhara Reddy's padayatra?

A: Do you think that padayatras have any relevance today when everyone is travelling by cars and buses. It is a waste of time. He is undertaking the padayatra to counter pressures within his party.

Q: YSR says the Congress will win the next elections.

A: It is not surprising. The last time around, he even made arrangements for his anointment as Chief Minister. I have faced two major crises in the last eight years - the 1996 cyclone and the current drought and earned people's gratitude for the liberal relief package and for getting 46.50 lakh tonnes of rice from the Centre. So, there is a positive feeling towards the TDP.

Q: Will you go for snap Assembly polls after the monsoon.

A: No. The elections will be held as scheduled even if we receive good rains. So long as we work hard, people will support us.

Q: Do you propose to appoint a working president to the TDP.

A: No. We have several general secretaries. Our party organisation is in good shape and the morale of the cadre quite high.

Q: What is your response to the accusation that the TDP Government has neglected the irrigation sector.

A: This is not true since we have given high priority to irrigation projects. We have executed SLBC, SRSP, Jurala and several medium irrigation projects like Chagalnadu and Jhanjhavathi for which Vengala Rao laid the foundation stone.

Q: The CAG has severely criticised the manipulation of funds besides the mismanagement of eSeva project.

A: We will lodge a strong protest with the CAG for its remarks on eSeva. If you go on like this (thwarting reforms), what will happen to this country. Does the CAG know how to operate computers. There are bound to be a few mistakes in a new area but we should see what benefits we can get from information technology. The eSeva model is being replicated in India and abroad.

Does it matter whether the funds are listed under plan or non-plan so long as they are spent on public welfare. If I start pulling up everyone in eSeva, there will be no results. We must not be rule-bound but look for results.

Q: Will you oblige the Congress MLAs' demand for executing 10 works in each of their constituencies.

A: No. Collectors have not been told to obey TDP MLAs and constituency in-charges. Do you expect me to oblige the Congress MLAs when they abuse me every day.

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`My Govt. responsible for second generation reforms'