Naidu politicising riparian rows: Cong

Hyderabad, Apr 5 (UNI) The Congress Legislature Party (CLP) today alleged that TDP chief and former Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, who failed to halt the illegal projects across Krishna and Godavari by Karnataka and Maharashtra, was now politicising the construction of Babli project by Maharashtra.

In a statement here, CLP secretaries Konda Surekha and S Ganga Ram and Government Whip D Sridhar Babu said though Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy was trying to stop the illegal construction of Babli project across river Godavari within the federal and legal frame work, Mr Naidu was trying to politicise the issue to cover up his own follies.

They said instead of giving a helping hand to Dr Reddy, the Opposition leader was indulging in drama by resorting to dharnas to create an impression that injustice was being meted out to the state due to the ''inaction'' of the government.

The Congress leaders said the Maharashtra Government had accorded administrative sanction to the Babli project and sanctioned Rs 31.37 crore in 1995, when Mr Naidu was the Chief Minister of the state and alleged that he had failed to halt the project at that stage.

They said Karnataka had built Almatti, Upper Tunga, Singatalur, Basavapur, Bennur, Hirehalla, Masikanala, Nasalwadi, Upper Hirehalla, Wardha and Upper Bhadhra projects and Maharashtra had constructed Daigan, Ashti, Ekruk, Barshi, Bhima, Saina Link Canal, Shirapur, Bori and other projects illegally depriving the state of its rightful share of water during Mr Naidu's regime and alleged that he had remained a silent spectator.

The Congress leaders advised Mr Naidu to act in a constructive manner and cooperate with the government to ensure Maharashtra halt the project.

UNI