The Hindu : YSR trains guns on six more Ministers

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Sep 07, 2002

Southern States

Southern States - Andhra Pradesh

YSR trains guns on six more Ministers

By Our Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD Sept. 6. The CLP leader, Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, has welcomed the resignation of the Panchayat Raj Minister, Pocharam Srinivas Reddy, on moral grounds but pleaded that the same moral values be made applicable to six other Ministers, accused of criminal and corruption charges.

Addressing a press conference on Friday, Dr. Reddy argued that Suddala Devaiah, a Dalit, who was eased out of the Cabinet a few months ago and Mr. Srinivas Reddy, who resigned now, were singled out by the Chief Minister for action on moral grounds "as they appear to be lightweights.''

``There are others including Kodela Siva Prasada Rao and P. Rama Subba Reddy, who were accused of more serious offences. Why should they be spared if Mr. Naidu cares for scruples and values? '' the CLP leader asked.

Dr. Rajasekhara Reddy said there was clinching evidence of four other Ministers, K. Subbarayudu, K.E. Prabhakar, Tummala Nageswara Rao and N. Janardhan Reddy "abusing'' their Ministerial positions to shield those involved in the diversion rice meant for the Food-for-work (FFW) programme.

The CLP leader said Dr. Siva Prasada Rao was inducted into the Ministry on a "false claim'' that he was acquitted by the CBI in the Narsaraopet bomb blast case "while the fact was that the Chief Minister prevailed on the NDA Government to refuse permission to the CBI to prosecute him.''

The other Minister, Mr. Rama Subba Reddy, frequently appeared in court in connection with a double-murder case and it did not enhance the prestige of the Government, Dr. Reddy remarked. Four other Ministers, Mr. Subbarayudu, Mr. Prabhakar, Mr. Nageswara Rao and Mr. Janardhan Reddy were caught protecting persons involved in the diversion of rice.

The CLP leader faulted the Chief Minister for showing discrimination against Mr. Devaiah and Mr. Srinivas Reddy while turning a blind eye to the "misdemeanours'' of the six Ministers.

CM declines comment

on resignation

HYDERABAD Sept. 6. The Chief Minister, N. Chandrababu Naidu, on Friday declined to comment on the resignation of the Panchayat Raj Minister, P. Srinivas Reddy, and the explanation given by the latter.

Confronted by mediapersons at the launch of the sapling plantation programme, at Ponnal village in Ranga Reddy district, he refused to be drawn into any conversation saying, "Mr. Reddy had said whatever he wanted to say.''

CPI(M) demand: The State CPI (M) Secretary, B. V. Raghavulu on Friday demanded resignation of the two Ministers, allegedly involved in the diversion of rice meant for the FFW programme and a judicial enquiry into all scandals and corruption charges faced by the Government.

In a statement, Mr. Raghavulu said it was not enough if one Minister resigns owning moral responsibility for the allegations that came up following the stationery purchase scam. Two other Ministers, who have intervened to shield those diverting FFW rice in Palacole and Dhone, should follow suit.

He said many such scandals were coming out, one after another, in an unprecedented manner. The Government could not wash off its hands by merely seeking the resignation of one Minister. A full-fledged judicial enquiry should be ordered, culprits brought to book and the amounts recovered.

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