Date:15/10/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/10/15/stories/2006101504320400.htm

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Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

YSR misguided Governor, says Naidu

Special Correspondent

He is not fit to hold a Constitutional post, says TDP president

YSR's latest confession draws flak

'His remarks portend a dangerous trend'

N. Chandrababu Naidu

HYDERABAD: Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy had confirmed he was not fit to hold a Constitutional post after his latest confession that he had recommended mercy to Gouru Venkata Reddy without studying the file in detail, said Telugu Desam president N. Chandrababu Naidu.

Addressing a news conference here on Saturday, Mr. Naidu said Dr. Reddy's remarks portend a dangerous trend in democracy as no Chief Minister in the country had ever signed a file without studying it thoroughly. Moreover, he was not dealing with an ordinary file. He ought to have applied his mind as he was exercising his Constitutional powers, Mr. Naidu said, reiterating the demand for his resignation.

Constitutional breach

The Chief Minister committed a Constitutional breach by misguiding the Governor to approve the mercy. And now he has confessed to doing so without knowing the contents of the case. He has also appealed to the public to leave such matters to his conscience saying he was always right. "Did it mean he can do whatever he liked and get away with it?" Mr. Naidu asked. Mr. Naidu wanted Dr. Reddy to see the writing on the wall as the Supreme Court had passed severe strictures against the State Government following a false affidavit filed by Venkata Reddy's wife and MLA Charita Reddy. She had suppressed information about the court trial her husband faced in a murder while seeking mercy.

He also said Dr. Reddy was trying to cover up his mistake by shifting the blame on the Kurnool Collector and SP.