The Hindu : BJP MP to go on fast over RDS issue

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Jul 14, 2003

Southern States

Southern States - Andhra Pradesh

BJP MP to go on fast over RDS issue

By Our Staff Reporter

HYDERABAD July 13. The BJP MP from Mahabubnagar, A.P. Jitender Reddy, has announced his decision to go on an indefinite hunger strike at Alampur from July 20 demanding water to the district from the Rajolibanda Diversion Scheme (RDS).

Mr. Reddy claimed at a news conference here on Sunday that he had tipped off the party leadership about the decision but was tightlipped whether he was given permission to go ahead with the fast.

Replying to questions whether his decision is likely to cast a shadow over the friendly ties between TDP and BJP, he clarified that it would not embarrass the State BJP in anyway. Senior leaders of BJP, when contacted, denied any knowledge about the MP's decision.

The MP was firm that he was free to take to the agitational path in the interests of the people of his constituency even if it meant going against a Government supported by his party. "I am doing it as a public representative.''

Mr. Reddy said he would launch his indefinite hunger strike in front of the temple of Amma Jogulamba, considered a Shakti peetham by devotees, at Alampur crossroads.

But, he would take recourse to such a step only if the Government does not consider the demand by July 19.

The BJP activists would also lay siege to the Revenue Divisional Office at Gadwal on July 16 to mount pressure on the Government.

Mr. Reddy strongly objected to the Government's decision to release water to KC canal after Kurnool farmers went on a rampage protesting against the closure of the sluices. He said this was a complete reversal of the Government's plans after the TDP MLA of Gadwal, Gattu Bheemudu, was deputed to handover a cheque for Rs. 50 lakhs to the Karnataka Government to take up works.

The Government's announcement that it would give water to farmers of Mahabubnagar from Jurala project was even more baffling since the storage of water in the project was no more than 6 tmcft, while its capacity was 17.9 tmcft.

Meanwhile, the TRS, reiterating its demand for the closure of construction sluices on the Rajolibanda Diversion Scheme, on Sunday demanded that the Ministers from Mahabubnagar district mount pressure on the Chief Minister, N Chandrababu Naidu, on the issue lest they would have to face the anger of the people.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Southern States

Stories in this Section

Govt. to expose violation of award

Basar right location for IIT: CM

Freak calf creates a sensation

Strive for eternal values: Saibaba

Senior police official dead

Viral fever toll crosses 100

Each district sanctioned 25 lakhs for checking contagious diseases

BJP MP to go on fast over RDS issue

Fans prevent Chiranjeevi from unveiling statue

Women's panel chief visits Kuppam

Fresh search for new BJP chief for State unit