Date:14/01/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/01/14/stories/2005011405840400.htm

Andhra Pradesh

Congress MLAs for official tag to `palle baata'

By Our Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD, JAN. 13. The success of the Rajiv Palle Baata in generating enthusiasm among party workers is now making more and more Congress MLAs take a closer look at the programme's benefits.

The Cuddapah MLAs and other leaders have already taken a cue and have decided to launch a `YSR Veedhi Baata' leaving others mulling similar programmes.

Having identified major grievances of people in their constituencies in the last couple of months, many MLAs are now planning to bring pressure on the Government to make the Palle Baata an official programme.

Suneeta Lakshma Reddy and Konda Surekha, both MLAs, say "instead of making such a programme a party affair, the Government itself should launch it as an official programme. This will lead to quick redress of grievances."

The R & B Minister, J. Rammohan Rao, has already launched a programme wherein he would make an overnight stay at a village and interact with people. Some officials have also begun the programme on their own.

Yet, the majority of ruling party MLAs feel that unless an official stamp on it, involvement of the officials may not be up to the mark.

Ghandi Babji, MLA, says "if it is an individual programme, I will be wasting time in getting the grievances addressed by officials later.