Date:18/04/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/04/18/stories/2005041807540400.htm

Andhra Pradesh

CPI(M) accused of provoking farmers

Staff Reporter

Show of sympathy: The Minister for Major Industries, Botsa Satyanarayana, speaking to an injured constable in Visakhapatnam on Sunday.

CHALGAL (KARIMNAGAR DISTRICT): The Chief Minister, Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, has charged the CPI(M) with provoking people facing displacement under the Thotapalli project in Vizianagaram district.

Talking to newsmen while participating in the `Rajiv nagara baata' in Jagtial revenue division on Sunday, Dr. Reddy said they had not yet commenced work on the project. Land acquisition process was still under way, he said. Special Correspondent in Visakhapatnam adds: The Minister for Major Industries, Botsa Satyanarayana, accused the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) of trying to stall the project with the help of anti-social elements.

He said he was at a loss to know how the Communists, who claim to support farmers, were supporting the TDP on the issue.

"The TDP fears that if the project is completed, the credit will go to the Congress. For, an additional ayacut of 1.2 lakh acres will be irrigated. The Government is acquiring 10,097 acres of land for the project and it has already deposited Rs. 89.72 crores for the purpose,'' he said.

The Minister said that usually the compensation amount would be released at the time of commencement of the work. In this case, farmers and landowners wanted an additional 100 per cent as compensation. While the district Collector had the powers to pay 50 per cent of it, the committee set up for the purpose would have to decide on the additional amount, he said.

Mr. Satyanarayana said that there was no question of stopping work on the project.

Later, he called on the policemen who were injured in the incident.