PRP-Cong merger not surprising, weavers reeling due to govt indifference

Stating that the Telugu Desam Party was the only alternative to the Congress in Andhra Pradesh, former chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu said, “Did I not say so earlier?” when asked to react to the merger of the Praja Rajyam Party with the ruling party on Monday.

Mr Naidu stated that he had predicted such an eventuality, especially in light of Congress making all out attempts to ensure that it is not reduced to a minority in the state Assembly after more and more MLAs broke away from its ranks.

Talking to media persons on the second day of his `Maha Dharna’, which is aimed to bring the plight of the weavers’ community before the government at Chirala in Prakasam district, the TDP chief said that his party would act as a responsible opposition and fight for the cause of people.

Mr Naidu said that the merger has proved that TDP was only alternative in the state and added that his party would never compromise on the principles it was founded on and the established policies at any time and at any cost.

Criticising the state government for not taking welfare measures to alleviate the plight of the weavers, he said that the indifferent attitude of the government was primarily responsible for the members of the community to look for alternative ways to eke out their livelihoods.

He stated that the weavers were living in a pathetic condition and are unable to continue in their traditional profession.

Mr Naidu alleged that the state government was responsible for the suicides of weavers.

The former chief minister demanded that the government waive interest on loans availed by weavers and reschedule all loans. He appealed to state government to sanction fresh loans and ensure that raw material are provided to them at subsidized prices so that they can be encouraged to return to their traditional profession.

The TDP chief stated that the weavers’ profession was on the verges of extinction due to lack of patronage from state government and due to modernization.

Stating that he would stage dharnas against the government to raise the weavers’ problems from Tuesday, Mr Naidu demanded that the government extend the Pavala Vaddi scheme to the members of the community.

He said the government has totally failed to provide input subsidy for the farmers, who were affected in recent rains and demanded to release better financial package for the farmers.

Earlier, Mr Naidu visited A Subba Rao Colony, Mahalaxmi Colony, Totavanipalem and Weavers Colony, where weavers are located in a large number and enquired about their condition. He also handed over Rs 10,000 cheques on behalf of NTR Trust to the next of kin of the weavers’ who committed suicide.

Later, Mr Naidu has announced the list of its MLC candidates for Graduates Constituencies.

According to the list, Desayasetti was chosen to represent Prakasam, Chittoor and Nellore districts. Venkata Swamy Reddy for Kadapa and Anantapur districts and Bhaskar Rao for Vijayanagaram, Srikakulam and Visakhapatnam districts.