Andhra Pradesh

Desertions make no impact on party: Naidu

Kakinada: The TDP president N. Chandrababu Naidu asserted that the party cadre remained intact though some leaders resigned to fulfil their personal ambitions. The TDP is as strong as ever at the grass-root level and there would be no going back from its fight for the people’s welfare, he said.

Addressing a press conference at Kotananduru in the district during ‘Mee Kosam’ tour on Monday, Mr. Naidu stated he was unperturbed by the exit of those leaders for whom personal interests were of more importance than that of the party, whose focus would always be on the well – being of the people and exposing the misdeeds of the Congress Government.

Mr. Naidu said the State Government has failed in controlling the prices of fertilizers and other farm inputs and also the rising prices of essential commodities which dealt a severe blow to all sections of society, particularly the poor and middle classes.

If the TDP comes to power in 2009, it would take care of the healthcare and education needs of the economically weaker sections among the forward castes as their lives were nowadays no less miserable than those of the poor. Similarly, the party would do whatever is essential to ameliorate the living conditions of those languishing below poverty line.

The TPD chief further deplored the ruling party for resorting to ‘corruption on a scale which, he said, has no comparison in the world and vowed to counter its anti-people policies. The TDP had submitted enough evidence of the alleged involvement of ministers and MLAs in corrupt deals, in the Assembly but the stark facts were brushed under the carpet.

Asked to comment on reports of Samajwadi Party distancing itself from the United National Progressive Alliance (UNPA), Mr. Naidu said he would respond only after the meeting scheduled to be held on July 3.

Later, addressing a public meeting at Jagannadhapuram village in Kotananduru mandal, Mr. Naidu reiterated his party’s commitment to completely eradicate poverty from the State and to strive for the welfare of farmers and those dependent on traditional vocations.

Among other issues, Mr. Naidu demanded that a minimum support price of Rs.1,500 to Rs.1,800 be paid for sugarcane and that of rice to be hiked to Rs.1,000 from the present Rs.850 per quintal and made a slew of promises, which he has been doing ever since ‘Mee Kosam’ tour commenced nearly two – and – a half months ago.

TDP Polit Bureau member Yanamala Ramakrishnudu, party district president N. Chinna Rajappa, former ministers M. Satyanarayana Rao and Chikkala Ramachandra Rao and MLA Ch. Babu Ramesh were among those present.

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