The Hindu : Front Page : Furore in House over LIDCAP land

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Aug 30, 2006

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Furore in House over LIDCAP land

Special Correspondent

Opposition decries move to hand over the land to Singapore Government agency

HYDERABAD: The Assembly witnessed furore over the move to hand over the land belonging to the public sector Leather Industries Development Corporation of AP (LIDCAP) in the city to a Singapore Government agency for developing a multi-purpose mall.

A lot of heat was generated as opposition members unanimously demanded cancellation of the agreement while Chief Minister Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy asked them not to obstruct the good work taken up by the Government.

Leader of the Opposition N. Chandrababu Naidu alleged that the proposal to give 37 acres of LIDCAP land meant for welfare of Dalits would send "wrong signals".

On the other hand, the Chief Minister said Mr. Naidu while in power had always thought of doing "all things", but lacked sincerity.

This triggered protests from TDP members who moved to the front row even as Finance Minister K. Rosaiah ruled out withdrawing the GO pertaining to the project. Upon this, Speaker K.R. Suresh Reddy adjourned the House one hour ahead of the scheduled time.

At one stage, Dr. Reddy, irked by frequent attempts by TDP members to interrupt him, angrily chided them for "holding the House to ransom".

Accusing the TDP Government of trying to close down and disinvest from LIDCAP, he said the land was not being sold but entrusted for development by following Swiss Challenge Method.

It would be a good source of income annually for LIDCAP which could earn Rs.80 to 100 crores.

Agreement with BCA

Earlier replying to a question, Tourism Minister J. Geetha Reddy told G. Sayanna (TDP) and others that LIDCAP had entered into an agreement with BCA of Republic of Singapore to develop Cyberabad Civic Centre, a multipurpose mall.

The BCA had promised eight lakh sq. ft to LIDCAP which would annually fetch Rs. 40 crores.

CPI (M) floor leader N. Narasimaiah wanted the Government to cancel the agreement, before leading the walkout of his party MLAs.

The BJP also wanted the agreement to be cancelled while the CPI asked the Government to reconsider it. MIM floor leader Akbaruddin Owaisi, too, opposed the proposal saying the land was a notified Wakf property. TDP members later protested against the

Speaker's action in abruptly adjourning the House and raised slogans while coming out. They blocked the main entrance to the House.

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