Naidu takes to streets in support of farmers

Hyderabad, Dec 28 (UNI) Telugu Desam Party Chief N Chandrababu Naidu today asserted that his party will resort to agitations till the Andhra Pradesh Government conceds the farmers demand for nine hours power supply for energising their pumpsets.

Leading the party's state-wide agitation to press the demand in Mahaboobnagar district, he said ''this is only the beginning.

We will continue with our stir in support of the farmers till the Government ensures nine hours power supply to save standing rabi crops''.

Taking a dig at Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy, his predecessor alleged that the former was busy in his farm, chalking out plans to save himself from legal problems following the so called surrender of his alleged illegal land holdings in his native Kadapa district at a time when the state was reeling under severe power crisis.

''Uninterrupted power supply was being ensured for Dr Reddy's estate while the farmers were struggling to save the crops for want of water'', he alleged Charging the Government with lack of foresight to meet the energy demand of the state, he said the state was facing power shortage even in December and wanted the state Government to announced contingency plans to overcome the situation.

Earlier, he told reporters that the Congress when it was in the opposition had promised 12 hours of power supply to farmers at a time when the previous TDP Government was providing nine hours power supply.

The Congress Government was incapable of handling the power situation, he charged.

UNI SM VV VD RAI1834