Date:25/02/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/02/25/stories/2005022511330400.htm

Andhra Pradesh

Naidu critical of Congress stand

By Our Staff Reporter

HYDERABAD, FEB. 24. The TDP president, N. Chandrababu Naidu, has alleged that party members have not been given an opportunity to air their views in the Assembly.

Taking serious exception to the manner in which the House was adjourned on Thursday without completing the debate on the murder of Penukonda MLA, Paritala Ravi, Mr. Naidu wondered how the treasury benches could abruptly end the discussion saying that the members were not in a mood. He found fault with the Legislative Affairs Minister, K. Rosaiah, for saying that the discussion could continue on Friday.

He said it was unfortunate that Congress members were not serious about the debate on the murder of the TDP MLA. He said that Chief Minister, who was facing charges in connection with the murder, left the House on Wednesday to attend a programme in Nalgonda. Today also the House was adjourned to facilitate the Chief Minister to attend a function in honour of the Delhi Chief Minister, Sheila Dixit, he said.

Refutes charge

Mr. Naidu took objection to the Congress attempt to drag TDP leaders into the murder of Ravi. He said the Chief Minister was encouraging his party men to unleash a terror. He refuted the Congress charge that he was using Partiala Sunita as a pawn. "The intention of Congress leaders appears to eliminate the rivals and rule the State," he alleged.

He denied the Congress charge that the Speaker, K.R. Suresh Reddy, was insulted by TDP members. He said all members should be given equal opportunity to speak in the House. But, TDP members were being discriminated against it, he alleged.

Hails HC verdict

Mr. Naidu expressed happiness at the High Court stay on the new excise policy. He said the Congress attempt to allot wine shops to party men had been thwarted by the court verdict. The direction had prevented the Congress Government from making money from the new licences.

He questioned how the Government planned to implement prohibition in a phased manner when it decided to increase the number of liquor shops.