Rosaiah repeats plea to TDP Chief on PDS rice quality

Hyderabad, July 31 (UNI) Andhra Pradesh Finance Minister K Rosaiah today alleged the Opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leaders were raising unconnected issues instead of replying to his request to TDP President N Chandrababu Naidu to visit any fair price shop to verify the quality of rice being supplied by the government.

Addressing the press with AICC Secretary P Sudhakar Reddy and MLC R Padmaraju, he said he had responded to Mr Naidu's comment that the Rs two a kilo rice being supplied by the government was unfit for consumption.

Reiterating his stand, Mr Rosaiah said, ''even now I request Mr Naidu or any leader of his party authorised by him to accompany me to any stock point or fair price shop of his choice in the state to verify the quality of rice being supplied under the subsidised scheme.'' Stating that the rice available in the state was normally of good quality, he said the government was supplying fine and super fine varieties, produced in Andhra Pradesh, through the fair price shops Referring to the TDP leaders' challenge to discuss the alleged irregularities in the Indiramma Housing Scheme and shortage of fertilisers, he said the Congress Government was ready to discuss any issue in the Assembly session commencing August 25.

About the party's position in the state in view of the political party to be launched by megastar Chiranjeevi, the Minister said, ''Mr Chiranjeevi is a popular figure in the state. He has every right to launch a political party and serve the people.'' The Congress had faced many challenges in the past and as a national party, it was ready to face any challenge. The Congress has the support of the people, he said.

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