TDP takes exception to CPI leader's allegation

Hyderabad, Aug 2 (UNI) The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) today took great exception to CPI Leader Suravaram Sudhakara Reddy's allegation that the TDP was trying to 'hijack' the land movement in the state started by the Communists.

Talking to the press here, Former Speaker Yanamala Rama Krishnudu said it was unbecoming of a leader of Mr Reddy's stature to make such a statement as no party had monopoly over any movement.

Founded by Mr N T Rama Rao in 1982, the TDP was launched as a movement against corruption during the then Congress regime and to re-establish the self-respect of the Telugus as then Congress High Command was frequently changing chief ministers.

Ever since it was established, the TDP had been fighting for various issues concerning the poor.

It was the TDP which held agitations against the Babli Project ''illegally'' constructed by the Maharashtra Government across River Godavari.

Alleging the present Congress Government had failed on all fronts, Mr Krishnudu said his party had every right to agitate for distribution of house sites and termed Mr Sudhakara Reddy's statement as ''undemocratic and unconstitutional.'' Claiming the TDP had distributed house sites and constructed houses on a large scale, he said the Congress had only changed the names of the schemes launched by it while claiming to having launched ''wonderful'' schemes.

He also said Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy should exert pressure on Congress MLA V Vasanta Kumar ''to surrender 60 acre of assigned lands in his possession.'' UNI