TDP trying to 'lure' people with impractical promises: CLP

Hyderabad, Sep 24 (UNI) The Andhra Pradesh Congress Legislature Party (CLP) today alleged that TDP President N Chandrababu Naidu was trying to ''lure'' people by making ''unimaginable and impractical'' promises with an eye on the next general elections.

Addressing a press conference here, along with Legislative Council members R Padmaraju and Ganga Bhavani, Commercial Taxes Minister Konathala Ramakrishna alleged that Mr Naidu was again trying to ''mislead'' people with his promises, including free supply of 60 kg rice, 12-hour free power supply to farmers and introduction of prohibition in the state.

He alleged that Mr Naidu had scrapped the Rs two per kg scheme and total prohibition, introduced by TDP founder N T Rama Rao.

Stating that the Congress would bring out a white paper on his promises and the funds needed for it, he claimed that not only the state budget, but the Central budget was also not sufficient to implement his assurances.

Referring to Mr Naidu's promises on total prohibition in the state, he alleged that the TDP only lifted the total prohibition and encouraged liquor consumption by opening uncountable shops and bars in the state.

Asked whether the government was considering to impose total prohibition, he said the Congress' stand was to introduce it in a phased manner. ''It is not possible to implement it by bringing an Act as it is a social issue. The change should come from the society,'' he said.

Mr Ramakrishna said the State Government had initiated several welfare measures for toddy tappers in the state during the last four and a half years and reduced the rentals for it, which was between Rs 400 to Rs 500 during the TDP regime.

The life insurance cover for toddy tappers was increased to Rs two lakh from Rs 25,000 and Rs 50,000 for permanently disabled tappers.

UNI BR VA GL AS1921