Lok Satta joins ‘look forward’ campaign

Shun caste-based politics for quick development, says JP

March 10, 2014 12:34 pm | Updated May 19, 2016 07:32 am IST - VIJAYAWADA:

Lok Satta Party founder president greeting former MP Chennupati Vidya at ameeting on Seemandhra development in Vijayawada on Sunday. Photo: Ch. Vijaya Bhaskar

Lok Satta Party founder president greeting former MP Chennupati Vidya at ameeting on Seemandhra development in Vijayawada on Sunday. Photo: Ch. Vijaya Bhaskar

Post bifurcation of the State, catch phrase appears to be ‘It is time to look forward’ for all political parties. On Friday, it was Minister of Human Resources Development M.M. Pallam Raju who voiced this opinion and on Saturday it was Lok Satta Party founder Jayaprakash Narayan, who expressed a similar view.

Addressing a sizeable gathering, the Lok Satta founder laid a well-defined roadmap for the development of the residual state of Andhra Pradesh. The meeting was organised by the Autonagar Technicians Association of Vijayawada.

He said people of Seemandhra should shun caste-based politics for the quick development of the State. “The power and economic tussle between three prominent castes Kamma-Kapu-Reddy should be sent to the backburner,” he said.

Revenue status Giving a clear cut understanding of the revenue status of the residual State, Mr Jayaprakash Narayan said the Central government should give an assurance to meet the deficit for the next 10 years. “Last fiscal, Hyderabad had a surplus revenue of Rs. 13,000 crore and it was shared by the entire State. But post bifurcation, it will be shared only by Telangana. On the other hand, though the coastal region did not have a deficit, Rayalseema region recorded a deficit of about Rs. 7,000 crore. In the initial years, the State is bound to record revenue deficit and in such a case the Centre should support at least for the next 10 years,” he said.

According to him for the new State to prosper, the government should also notify a tax holiday for the next 20 years. “Central excise and corporate tax should be given a holiday to attract industries, since the Special Category Status seems to be doubtful,” said Mr. Jayaprakash.

Critical about the power shortage it the State, he said it was a clear case of bad management. “The State can give 24-hour supply if the distribution mechanism is trimmed up and maintained properly. Pilferage is the main reason for shortage. The new State or AP should do better in power management,” he said.

Mr. Jayaprakash also favoured a de-centralised model of development. “We should not make the mistake of putting all eggs in one basket. If the political capital is at one place, the industries should be spread across the State depending on the regions natural strength,” he said.

On Krishna district, he said the district has got potential for agri-based industries and automobile industry and it should be explored.

President of Autonagar Technician Association Nageswara Rao, senior leaders of Lok Satta K. Pattabhi Ramaiah and Chennupati Vazeer and Krishna District Lorry Association president K.V. Ramesh spoke.

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