The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Naidu launches campaign in Karimnagar

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Saturday, May 10, 2008
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Naidu launches campaign in Karimnagar

Staff Reporter

KAMALAPUR (KARIMNAGAR DT): Telugu Desam Party president and former Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Friday formally launched the electioneering for the byelections in Karimnagar district from Ambala village of Kamalapur Assembly constituency amid protests by local Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) leaders.

When the ‘mee kosam’ yatra reached Shanigaram village, the local TRS leaders protested against the yatra and demanded the TDP president to disclose his stand on the formation of Telangana. They also raised slogans of ‘Jai Telangana’ and ‘Andhra leaders go back’. However, the police intervened and pacified the protestors.

‘TDP not against’

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Naidu clarified that the Telugu Desam Party was not against the formation of Telangana State.

He suggested the TRS leaders to fight against the Congress for allegedly purchasing 10 of their legislators after being elected on TRS tickets and inflation.

He told them to fight against the illegal Babli project, farmers, weaver suicides and other local issues.

Blaming the ‘inefficient’ TRS for causing byelections in Telangana region in this summer season and burdening the people, he said this election would not serve any purpose or benefit any party. He alleged that Chief Minister Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy was provoking regional sentiments.

Claiming that the reforms introduced by the TDP government had added more income to the State exchequer, he alleged that the government had failed to take up development in the State. He blamed the Congress government for failing to control inflation.

Announces sops

He tried to woo voters by announcing several sops such as free power of 50 units to all the families living below poverty line, free 12 hour quality power supply to farmers, pensions of Rs. 500 per month, waiver of agricultural housing loans to poor etc.

Earlier, Mr. Naidu was accorded a tumultuous welcome at the district borders of Ambala village with pomp. Womenfolk offered ‘harathi’ and the procession passed through the villages amid drumbeats. TDP leaders M. Damodar Reddy, E. Peddi Reddy, Ch. Sudhakar Rao and others were also present.

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