Date:14/05/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/05/14/stories/2005051410070400.htm

Andhra Pradesh

BJP leader seeks apology from YSR

Staff Reporter

Failure of Congress on all fronts during its one-year rule

No end to suicide by farmers
Burning of chilli speaks of farmers' condition'
Collection of 4 per cent tax on farm produce flayed

Jayati Ghosh report not implemented

NELLORE: The State Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president, N. Indrasena Reddy, has sought an unconditional apology from the Chief Minister, Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, at Saturday's `Vijayostava' meeting (victory celebration) of the Congress at Hyderabad for the `failures' of the Government on all fronts during the last one year.

Addressing a press conference here on Friday, the BJP chief launched a scathing attack on the Chief Minister and listed out the failures of the Government with regard to containing suicide by farmers, assuring minimum support price for their produce, etc.

The BJP leader took exception to continuation of 4 per cent tax on farm produce contrary to the promise of the Chief Minister before the Assembly elections.

He expressed concern at the distressful conditions faced by farmers and cited the instances of some of them openly burning chillies on the main road, unable to meet the transportation cost. Mr. Indrasena Reddy, took strong exception to the Chief Minister going to the extent of `advising' banks not to extend loans to cotton and tobacco farmers.

The BJP leader wanted to know about the claim by the Chief Minister, Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy to provide 2.50 lakh jobs in a year. On the other hand, the Government had axed the services of agricultural extension officers who had been appointed on contract basis.

No coordination

According to Mr. Indrasena Reddy, the Chief Minister, had lost total control over administration. "On the other hand, there is lack of proper co-ordination among Ministers," he said.

Asked to comment on the Chief Minister' charge that parties like the BJP were creating hurdles in the way of development, Mr. Indrasena Reddy demanded to know as to whether at any time his party had come in the way of the Chief Minister in providing minimum support price for farmers and in setting up of a technology mission for them. Also the Government has not implemented the much-publicised Jayati Ghosh report on condition of farmers.

About Telangana, Mr. Reddy repeated his party's stand relating to the Kakinda resolution and formation of small States. Regarding the outbursts of the film star, Vijayashanti, he said she was known for her `inconsistent statements'. Mr. Reddy reminded its functionaries how they joined the Ministry claiming that it would help in achieving separate Telengana.