Cong refutes TDP charges

Hyderabad, May 7 (UNI) The Andhra Pradesh Congress Legislature Party (CLP) today refuted TDP President N Chandrababu Naidu's charge the state's prestige had fallen due to various scams.

Speaking at a press conference at the CLP office here today, State Finance Minister K Rosaiah along with Energy Minister Mohd Ali Shabbir and Backward Classes Welfare Minister Mukesh Goud said the TDP had not taken any action on various scams which occurred during its regime.

He alleged the DPEP, passport and fake stamps scams came to light during the TDP regime but then government failed to order any inquiry into them. Mr Rosaiah alleged the TDP leaders looted the state during their nine-year rule.

Refuting the TDP's charge that the government was resorting to 'blackmailing' the opposition parties in the passport scam, Mr Rosaiah said the government's intention was only to bring the facts before the public and punish individuals involved as per the law.

The state government was making inquiries into any allegation levelled by the Opposition to prove its innocence.

The Congress leader said governments in other states were very much impressed by the state government's initiatives, including the irrigation projects for agriculture development.

He said US President George W Bush, too, during his visit, had appreciated rapid agriculture development in the state. The Budget allocation of the state was increasing every year and the Planning Commission welcomed the developmental activities.

UNI