TDP stages walkout in AP House over Dalit lands issue

Hyderabad, Feb 14 (UNI) The main opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP) today staged a walkout in the Andhra Pradesh Assembly protesting 'foisting of cases' against a Dalit TDP MLA and usurping land in possession of Dalits by influential people allegedly in 'connivance' with officials and ruling partymen.

Dissatisified with Revenue Minister D Prasada Rao's reply that the government was examining legal aspects for cancellation of sale agreement-cum-general power of attorney relating to 123 acres, of land Leader of the Opposition N Chandrababu Naidu, before leading his members out, demanded all cases registered against the MLA Ch Venkata Rao be immediately withdrawn and the land restored to Dalits and fishermen.

Accusing the government of protecting the Mandal Revenue Officer who had failed to reply to the Registrar concerned on the issue, the former chief minister claimed the ruling Congress was under pressure and hence did not take action against those who had registered the land in their name 'illegally.' Earlier, when the Minister alleged the TDP, which had failed to distribute pattas to Dalits concerned when it was in power, was now politicising the issue, the TDP members disrupted the proceedings for some time and demanded a firm assurance from the government.

The Minister had earlier assured the House that action would be taken against any official found guilty after an inquiry.

Turning down the TDP's demand for immediate withdrawal of the cases against the legislator, the Minister wanted the TDP to bring before the House the nature of cases for the Home Minister to consider the demand.

The state goverment, which had distributed over 4.37 lakh acre to the poor, was committed to distribute all surplus lands to eligibile persons, bulldozing opposition from any quarters, he asserted.

The government would only issue broad guidelines and it was for the local MLA, who was also the chairman of the Land Assignment Committee, to select the beneficiaries.

UNI