Date:10/09/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/09/10/stories/2006091010920400.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

ORR: Opposition to launch united struggle

Special Correspondent

Opposition leaders accuse Government of taking away land of the poor

HYDERABAD: The Left parties, Telugu Desam and Telangana Rashtra Samiti have decided to launch a united struggle to protest against the `injustice' meted out to victims of the Outer Ring Road project and expose `corruption'.

The decision was taken at a meeting of leaders of the CPI(M), CPI, TDP, TRS, CPI (ML-Liberation) and two other parties here on Saturday.

Briefing reporters, CPI (M) State secretary B. V. Raghavulu and other leaders said they would begin dharna in a week's time and later intensify their protests to "paralyse" the administration. They charged the Government with taking away the lands of poor people to benefit the rich, including MLAs, Ministers and MPs.

Mr. Raghavulu hit out at Chief Minister Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy for ruling out land-to-land proposal for the displaced persons. Various parties had decided to keep aside minor political differences and come together since the Government was "adamant". He said the dharna would be organised for three to four days consecutively in three or four mandals each day. Simultaneous "blockades" at the eight junctions which form part of the ORR were also planned.

Legal action

The meeting also discussed the option of proceeding legally and furnishing information required by any party or individual.

E. Peddi Reddy, TDP leader, alleged that it was resorting to "corruption" in the guise of development and all parties had decided to expose it. N. Narasimha Reddy (TRS) said the parties would fight for compensation and land-to-land package for the affected persons. Subhash (CPI-ML Liberation), Murahari (SUCI) and Narayan Reddy also (OPDR) attended the meeting.