CLP ridicules Naidu's promises for BC welfare

Hyderabad, May 15 (UNI) The Andhra Pradesh Congress Legislature Party (CLP) today ridiculed Opposition TDP President N Chandrababu Naidu's promise that the party would establish a bank with Rs 3,000 crore for the welfare of the Backward Classes and allocate 100 seats for them in the next elections if his party was voted to power.

Addressing a press conference here, State Commercial Taxes Minister Konathala Ramakrishna alleged that Mr Naidu was making promises during 'meekosam chaitanya yatra' to ''mislead'' the Backward Classes and was resorting to vote-bank politics.

Alleging that Mr Naidu had neglected the welfare of the Backward Classes during his nine-year rule, he said Mr Naidu had no right to talk about their welfare.

Mr Ramakrishna said the Congress was ready to discuss the schemes initiated by the previous TDP Government and the present state government for the welfare of the Backward Classes.

The Minister said the Congress had initiated several welfare schemes for the backward classes, including the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. Former Chief Minister K Brahmandana Reddy had provided 25 per cent reservation for the BCs in the state, he added.

UNI BR VA SJ AKJ BST1724