Date:26/06/2003 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2003/06/26/stories/2003062603210500.htm

Southern States - Andhra Pradesh

Cong. MLA wants land deal cancelled at Pushkaralapeta

By Our Staff Reporter

Rajahmundry June 25. The DCC president and MLA, Jakkampudi Ramamohana Rao, on Wednesday demanded cancellation of lease deal under which the prime land in the old Pushkaralapeta was given to a private person for a pittance.

Speaking to newsmen here, Mr. Ramamohana Rao said that the land was proposed to be given on lease without even notifying. No tenders were called and the whole deal smacked of a murky deal, the MLA alleged. The Chief Minister himself termed the land as a `goldmine' but it was given at a throw away price. He said that he met the Collector and Commissioner for details but could not get a satisfactory answer.

Mr. Ramamohana Rao alleged that the local MLA, Buchaiah Choudary was behind the deal as the person who got the lease, J.V.S.S. Murthy was brought by him. He demanded cancellation of the lease and a thorough enquiry into the whole issue. He said that he would also convene an all- party meet on this issue.

Mr. Ramamohana Rao further alleged that the mishandling of the issue of sanctioning exhibition rights during Pushkarams had resulted in huge loss to the Corporation. According to him, the agency that had to pay Rs.80 lakhs for organising exhibition, had failed to pay till date which was the last day for payment. This, according to him was all drama and the man behind was the TDP MLA, Buchaiah Choudary, he stated.