AP minister appears before Lok Ayukta

Hyderabad, Apr 18 (UNI) Andhra Pradesh Major Irrigation Minister P Lakshmaiah today appeared before the Lok Ayukta for second time over the alleged administration lapses in the implementation of the multi-crore Sripadasagar project across Godavari.

Lok Ayukta Justice R Ramanujam took up the matter suo motu based on newspaper reports about the alleged largescale irregularities in the project.

Speaking to newspersons here after appearing before the Lok Ayukta, Mr Lakshmaiah said, ''I am ready to cooperate with the Lok Ayukta in connection with the irregularities that took place in awarding works to the contract companies.'' He said there was no need to conduct cross-examination on this issue.

However, sources from Lok Ayukta said the minister would not be cross-examined by the Lok Ayukta, which adjourned the hearing on the issue.

The Minister had appeared before the Lok Ayukta on April 16 after he was summoned.

He was grilled by Justice Ramanujam, who took a dig at Mr Lakshmaiah when he said he had signed the order awarding the contract without studying the note file.

UNI