Date:29/03/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/03/29/stories/2005032908240400.htm

Andhra Pradesh

Sparks fly over GO 610

By Our Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD, MARCH 28. From the Telugu Desam to the Congress, members cutting across party lines, demanded implementation of the GO 610 in a time-bound manner in the Assembly on Monday.

The four-hour debate saw bouts of heated arguments between TDP and TRS members. The TDP members rushed to the Speaker's podium, to protest against the Congress member, P. Janardhan Reddy's remarks against the Leader of the Opposition, N. Chandrababu Naidu.

Mr. Reddy said the previous TDP Government did not do anything when the Almatti dam's height was raised by Karnataka. It did not take action against its own legislator, Byreddy Rajasekhar Reddy, who he alleged, was behind the blasting of a canal under the Rajolibanda Diversion Scheme. TDP had no right to talk of TRS stand and its relations with Congress.

When the TDP members protested noisily, the panel Speaker, C. Narsi Reddy, repirmanded them. Y. Ramakrishnudu (TDP) wondered whether Mr. Janardhan Reddy was participating in the debate on GO 610 or some other subject. It was also strange that the TRS which was a coalition partner, gave the notice for discussion, instead of bringing pressure on their own Government to implement it.

`A sensitive issue'

Mr. Naidu extended his party's cooperation in the implementation of the GO. It was a sensitive issue and a consensus needed to be evolved so as not to hurt interests of any region.

A separate machinery had to be created to oversee the implementation.

His party colleague, T. Devender Goud, opposed blanket lifting of ban on inter-zonal and inter-district transfers, as it would only complicate the issue.

The Finance Minister, K. Rosaiah, said the transfer was on a case-to-case basis and the final clearance was obtained from the Chief Minister. M. Satyanarayana Reddy and Padma Devender Reddy (TRS), Nomula Narasimhaiah (CPI-M), Ch. Venkat Reddy (CPI) Akbaruddin Owaisi (MIM) and G. Kishen Reddy (BJP) felt there was no need for yet another committee.