TDP leader challenges minister to file defamation case

Hyderabad, Dec 26 (UNI) TDP Legislature Party Deputy Leader Nagam Janardhana Reddy today challenged Andhra Pradesh Major Irrigation Minister Ponnala Lakshmaiah to file a defamation case against him if his allegations on illegal land acquisition for the hatchery owned by Mr Lakshmaiah were proved wrong.

Talking to newspersons here, he said he had complained to Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy about the illegal land acquisition by the Tirumala Hatcheries owned by the Minister.

He demanded the Chief Minister should act on his complaint and order a probe into the land acquisition issue.

Talking to newspersons at Warangal, Minister Ponnala Lakshmaiah said the allegations levelled against him by Mr Janardhana Reddy were baseless.

He said no assigned lands were acquired by him as alleged by the TDP leader.

His company had rightfully purchased the land from the Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (APIIC) legally.

Legal action would be initiated against Mr Janardhana Reddy, he added.

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