CM announces placing of Sripadasagar project files with Minister

Hyderabad, Mar 21 (UNI) Denying the opposition charge of Rs 400 crore fraud in the Sripadasagar project, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy today announced that the files would be made available with the Major Irrigation Minister to prove that the papers submitted by the TDP were fabricated and false.

Rejecting the opposition demand for placing the files before Assembly Speaker K R Suresh Reddy, the Chief Minister, amid thumping of desk by ruling party members said ''from tomorrow all files, except those submitted to the Lok Ayukta will be available with the Minister for perusal by opposition party members.'' Concluding the prolonged debate on the issue, Dr Reddy explained that he did not want to embarass the high office of Speaker which had been dragged into a controversy by the TDP by submitting a sealed cover with an instruction not to open it till the government came with the files.

In principle, he was against placing of files as the irrigation Department officials who should be busy hastening the gigantic irrigation initiative, would be tied up in the Assembly showing files to leaders of various parties, the Chief Minister said, adding that his offer was only to prove that the papers shown by the opposition TDP were fake.

Protesting against the government's decision, Leader of the Opposition N Chandrababu Naidu claimed that records had been tampered with and justice could be ensured only when they were put before the Speaker.

When TDP Legislature Party Deputy Leader N Janardhan Reddy claimed that it would be appropriate for the government to respect the convention of placing files before the Speaker, Legislative Affairs Minister K Rosaiah recalled that the TDP had set a precedent by making available the files relating to power purchase agreements with Independent Power Producers(IPPs) with the then Power Minister when similar corruption charges were raised by the opposition.

The government also conceded the suggestion from CPI(M) Floor Leader N Narasaiah and TRS floor leader G Vijayarama Rao that the government fix the time and allow scrutiny with the help of technical experts.

More UNI SM SB KP1925