Date:02/05/2004 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2004/05/02/stories/2004050202720400.htm

Andhra Pradesh

`TDP tried to influence voters with money'

By Our Staff Reporter

TIRUMALA, MAY 1. The State Youth Congress president, Venkat Rao, today alleged that Telugu Desam Party (TDP) resorted to abuse of power in the elections, which concluded recently.

Talking to media persons, Mr. Rao charged the TDP with trying to influence voters with money.

He also charged TDP leaders with fixing `targets' for Government officials to raise funds for the elections.

In spite of all odds, the Congress party is sure to return to power. Terming the alliance of the TDP with the Bharatiya Janata Party as unethical and sheer opportunism, he said that the Congress party, once voted to power, would strive for the overall development of the State, particularly for the uplift of the middle class, weaker sections and the farmers community, who stood by the party and gave their mandate in its favour.

He also said that, the Youth Congress would issue directives to its cadres at all levels to collect required information regarding the erring officials and would submit a report to the Government, in the event of formation of a Congress Government in the State.