AP CM condemns TDP's ''irresponsible'' remarks

Kakinada, Apr 15 (UNI) Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy today came down heavily on the Opposition TDP for its ''irresponsible'' statements against the state government.

Addressing a public meeting at Malkipuram after laying the foundation stone for the bridge across Visista River between Sakhinetipalli and Narsapur, Dr Reddy alleged that the TDP, during its rule, had ''deceived'' eight crore people in the state by ''neglecting'' the irrigation and welfare sectors.

''They have laid the foundation stones for the Sakhinetipalli-Narsapur bridge thrice without doing anything to materialise it. But we are laying the foundation stone after earmarking funds and finalising tenders.

The work would commence during August and was likely to be completed within a period of 21 months, he said.

Dr Reddy, strongly criticising TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu for ''diluting'' his policies such as Rs 2-a-kg rice scheme and prohibition, said the people would not be carried away by the TDP propaganda.

''We have taken up the delta system modernisation and the strengthening of the river embankments to tackle the flood situation, the Chief Minister remarked.

UNI XR/AP RL AS2001