Opposition stages walkout over Dalit lands

Hyderabad, Feb 19 (UNI) The main Opposition Telugu Desam Party, (TDP), TRS, CPI(M) and the BJP today staged a walkout from the Andhra Pradesh Assembly, in protest against 'inadequate' compensation for Dalits whose lands had been acquired for various projects.

Dissatisfied with Industry Minister J Geetha Reddy's reply to a question on the issue, TDP Legislature Party Deputy Leader T Devender Goud charged the government of not doing justice to Dalits while acquiring their lands for various projects and led his party members out of the Assembly.

TRS floor leader G Vijaya Rama Rao claimed the land was forcibly acquired for industrial projects but no allocation had been made for Dalit enterpreneurs.

CPI(M) floor leader Nomula Narasimhaiah and BJP floor leader G Kishen Reddy also led their members out in protest against the government's land acquisition policy.

Defending the policy, Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy said the government's had been very liberal while acquiring lands for projects.

The affected people were provided compensation which was higher than the market rate, he added.

Dr Reddy wanted the opposition not to instigate Dalits and others whose lands had been acquired, since these projects were very much needed for the overall development of the state.

Earlier, Dr Geetha Reddy took a dig at the CPI(M) and reminded them about the Singur incident in West Bengal.

CPI Floor Leader Chada Venkata Reddy also voiced his party's protest on the issue.

UNI