UNPA meet only hatched political conspiracy on Cong: Rao

Hyderabad, Nov 26 (UNI) Describing the Vijayawada National Conclave of the United National Progressive Alliance (UNPA) as a political platform of former Chief Ministers dreaming of returning to power, the ruling Congress today claimed the UNPA leaders, who had no real concern for the farmers, hatched a ''political conspiracy'' against the party at the cost of farmers.

The November 24 meeting ended by showering encomiums on TDP President N Chandrababu Naidu who had ''totally neglected'' agriculture during his nine-year rule and dubbed farming as a ''sheer waste,'' Pradesh Congress Acting President G S Rao told a press conference here.

The TDP and other UNPA constituents were only showing ''fake love'' for farmers, speaking less about their problems and more about politics, Mr Rao claimed, adding not many farmers took part in the meeting organised by the TDP.

Peasants were aware the Congress had been striving for their welfare right from the day of assuming office when Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy provided power free of cost to farmers after convincing the party high command on its economic feasibility, Congress farmers wing chairman G Kodanda Reddy said.

When the TDP was in power in the state and National Democratic Alliance at the Centre, Minimum Support Price for paddy was hiked by Rs 60, he recalled, adding that on the other hand, the hike was Rs 190 during the three years of the Y S Rajasekhara Reddy Government, state party spokesman N Thulasi Reddy said.

UNI