Oppn stages walkout on Indiramma issue

Hyderabad, Nov 6 (UNI) The opposition TDP, TRS, CPI(M) and the BJP today staged a walkout in the Andhra Pradesh Assembly after stalling the proceedings over the alleged rampant corruption in the implementation of ''INDIRAMMA,'' leading to adjournment of the House for a brief period.

Dissatisfied with the reply of Housing Minister B Satyanarayana on the action taken against those who had committed largescale irregularities in the implementation of the programme for weaker section, the TDP members trooped into the well of the House and demanded an opportunity to register their protest.

As repeated appeals to the agitated members to return to their seats fell on deaf ears, Speaker K R Suresh Reddy adjourned the House for 15 minutes.

Later, when the House reassembled, TDP Legislature Party Deputy Leader T Devender Goud led his party colleagues out, objecting to the Congress Government introducing a scheme for voluntary disclosure of irregularities and condoning those indulging in such irregularities.

Earlier, the Minister, replying to Mr Goud, said 89,438 cases have come to light where execution was not in accordance with the guidance.

Action had been initiated for recovery of money paid to old pucca houses, pucca houses with asbestos sheet or tiled roof, benami sanctions, double sanctions and sanctions given already to completed houses.

However, minor irregularities like extension made to pucca houses, plinth area more than the stipulated 300 sft and more than two houses joined together have been condoned, he added.

TRS legislator Nayini Narasimha Reddy alleged that only Congress party workers were given houses under the scheme and led the TRS members out of the House.

CPI(M) Floor Leader N Narasimaiah lashed out at the Rajasekhara Reddy Government for ''stinking'' corruption in the selection of beneficiaries before leading his members out.

CPI Floor Leader Ch Venkata Reddy registered his party's protest over the Government's refusal to concede Left parties' demand for constitution of an Ombudsman to hear complaints on the implementation of the scheme.

BJP Legislature Party leader G Kishan Reddy criticised the Government for not implementing the scheme in Hyderabad and staged a walkout.

Appreciating the ''sincere efforts of the Congress Government in providing houses for the poor,'' lone Janata Party member K Ramulu staged a walkout in protest against ''non-cooperative'' attitude of the opposition parties.

UNI