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Bedlam in Andhra assembly over Janmabhoomi issue

The Andhra Pradesh assembly today witnessed uproarious scenes during a discussion on the state's much-publicised 'Janmabhoomi' programme.

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu rejected the main opposition Congress party's demand for a judicial inquiry into the alleged irregularities in its implementation.

As Naidu made the statement, Congress members trooped into the well, ignoring Speaker Y Ramakrishnudu's repeated appeals to resume their seats.

Intervening during a discussion about payment for Janmabhoomi works, Naidu said the government did not want to take any step that might demoralise those who participated in the programme.

He, however, agreed to set up a cell to look into any irregularities, and also to monitor the programme.

Naidu also offered to publicise the action taken report on the complaints of irregularities in all the villages. When the Congress members continued to demand a judicial inquiry, the chief minister asked them not to politicise the novel people-oriented programme.

Finance and Legislative Affairs Minister P Ashok Gajapathi Raju said the government was prepared for a full-fledged discussion on the issue.

P Janardhana Reddy, leader of the Congress in the state assembly, replied that his party would participate in the discussion, provided the session was extended by a day (the Budget session is scheduled to end tomorrow).

Naidu, however, said there was no need to extend the session.

Gajapathi Raju denied the Opposition's charge that the works were being given to contractors belonging to the ruling party. If any specific instances of irregularities were brought to the government's notice, they would be inquired into, he added.

He said that so far 93,689 works have been taken up in eight rounds of the programme. During the sixth round, works worth Rs4.26 billion were received, Rs4.23 billion worth works were grounded and Rs3.26 billion worth works completed.

UNI

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