The Hindu : Naidu gets into election mode

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Aug 21, 2003

Southern States

Southern States - Andhra Pradesh

Naidu gets into election mode

By M. Rajeev

TIRUPATI AUG. 20. Even as the talk of early elections to the Lok Sabha is doing the rounds in political circles, the TDP president and Chief Minister, N. Chandrababu Naidu, appears to have got into the election mode if his appeals to people during a few public meetings in Chittoor district on Wednesday are any indication.

The Chief Minister, who was here to participate in a series of programmes organised by the South Central Railway, made it a point to thank the people for the "support and cooperation they have extended to him all through enabling him to reach his present position.'' "I was one among you and it is because of the fullest cooperation extended by you that I have reached this position. I would not be able to repay your debt despite serving you for a whole lifetime,'' he said.

In the process, Mr. Naidu announced that the Government had decided to extend the last date for availing the interest waiver on the crop loans obtained form cooperative banks by two more months from August 31. "Though the Government announced a package of Rs. 600 crores for the benefit of farmers, it was represented that many farmers are not able to avail the facility before August 31. Hence, the Government has decided to extend the last date by a couple of months in the interest of farmers,'' he said addressing an impressive gathering at Chittoor town.

At Pakala, the TDP president reminded people that he had started his political career from there and said that he wanted to develop the place as a hub in Chittoor district since it provides connectivity to all other places in the district. "I am trying my best to develop Pakala into a central junction to ensure that the people in the area are benefited. Though I want to spend more time with you, I could not do so due to the paucity of time. I will make it a point to visit Pakala specially at a later date,'' he said amidst cheers from the crowd.

Meanwhile, despite repeated warnings from the Chief Minister on some earlier occasions, the enthusiastic TDP and BJP cadre mobilised schoolchildren, especially girls. The girls who dotted the lanes leading to the meeting venue near the railway station faced severe inconvenience as the Chief Minister was delayed by more than an hour. The same situation was observed at the Pakala railway station where the students of Bharat Scouts and Guides faced inconvenience due to the jostling that took place as the TDP cadre tried to surge forward to have a glimpse of their leader.

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