AP CM apologies to PM for Naidu's 'discourtesy'

New Delhi, May 18 (UNI) Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajashekhara Reddy today apologised to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on behalf of people of the state for the 'discourtesy' shown by Telugu Desam Party Chief N Chandrababu Naidu in dealing with the Babli issue.

Dr Reddy told newspersons here that he had tendered the apology when he met Dr Singh this morning, for any hurt caused to him by the allegation of Mr Naidu that the PM was not acting on Babli issue because of his 'pro-Maharashtra feelings'.

"I have apologised on behalf of people of Andhra Pradesh because Mr Naidu's allegations are not true", he said.

The CM replying to queries said the allegation and comments of another TDP leader Devendra Goud were also 'utterly irresponsible'.

He was a minister for nine long years but did nothing when he was in power, but was now making all kinds of allegations.

''The state government was implementing Pranahita project to bring 180 TMC water to Telangana at an estimated cost of Rs 20,000 crore 20,000 crore. We are only trying to give 'surplus water' to other regions of the State.'' He did not agreed with Mr Goud's attitude to allow the surplus water to flow into the sea but stop even a drop of water to any other region.

Dr Reddy also requested the PM to protect the interests of Beedi workers by staying the notification that made mandatory to print skull and cross bones on every Beedi packets sold. The PM has assured that he will do everything possible to protect the interests of Beedi workers. The CM also met External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee, who chairs the GoM on printing of skull and cross bones on Beedi packets seeking an early decision.

He also extended A P Government's invitation to the PM to lay the foundation of the Hyderabad Metro Rail Project and inaugurate the campus of EMRI (Emergency Management and Research Institute) at Hyderabad at his convenience.

The Chief Minister called on the Congress President Ms Sonia Gandhi. He discussed the prevailing political situation in the State and the issues concerning the state government's functioning.

Earlier in the day he met Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Ms Meira Kumar along with Mr Nandi Yellaiah and Dr Ravi Mallu to explain the situation concerning sub-categorisation of Scheduled Castes in Andhra Pradesh and requested Centre to expedite the process of formation of the National Commission constituted for the purpose.

The Union Minister later assured that the Commission would be formally constituted either today or tomorrow morning. She appealed to the people not to agitate. He also met Union Minister for Mines to urge the Government to clear pending mining projects including bauxite mining in Vishakhapatnam, Iron ore in Ananthapur and Khammam Districts.

During his meeting with Information and Broadcasting Minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi, Dr Reddy requested allocation of slots on DD Saptagiri channel for telecasting programmes on state government's programmes.

UNI