Date:29/05/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/05/29/stories/2006052918090100.htm

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YSR brushes aside TDP criticism

Staff Reporter

Advises patience till panchayat poll results are out

Chief Minister brushes aside TDP claim of bouncing back to power
Cites massive housing programme to prove that his Government had not given up welfare programmes

Alliance with Left and TRS to stay intact, says YSR

VIJAYAWADA: Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy on Sunday brushed aside the Telugu Desam Party's criticism that the Government had not been doing anything for the welfare of farmers.

Asked to react to the TDP's resolution passed at the ongoing Mahanadu to this effect, Dr. Reddy quipped: "The results of forthcoming local body elections will prove whether we are doing anything for the welfare of farmers."

He fielded a few questions from reporters at the State Guesthouse here, shortly before leaving for Tirupati.

Dismisses party's charge

When his attention was drawn to the TDP's criticism that the Government had not been able to ensure minimum support price for the farmers' produce, Dr. Reddy remarked: "The Mahanadu resolutions need to be endorsed by people. Let's wait till (local body) elections."

The Chief Minister also pooh-poohed the main Opposition party's allegation that his Government had given a go-by to the welfare programmes initiated under its regime.

Makes light of TDP claim

Tirupati Staff Reporter writes: Dr. Rajasekhara Reddy made light of Mr. Naidu's claim at the annual conclave in Rajahmundry that the party would bounce back to power in the next general elections. He said that he would react only after seeing the TDP's performance in the forthcoming polls.