Andhra FM slams Naidu's criticism

Vijayawada: Finance and Planning Minister Buggana Rajendranath on Thursday said trifurcation of capital is planned to ensure decentralised development and lashed out at TDP national president N Chandrababu Naidu for trying to spread lies during his roadshows in Rayalaseema.

"The people of Rayalaseema are very cultured and civilised. That's the reason why he is allowed to hold roadshows notwithstanding the fact that no big project was brought to the backward region during 14-year stint by Naidu as CM of Andhra Pradesh before and after bifurcation," he told reporters at Velagapudi near here.

He said there was no justification in criticising the establishment of the judicial capital at Kurnool when the city has not made any development despite being the capital of AP in 1953. Referring to the charge that the distilleries in AP are run by Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, he said out of 20, 14 were given license when Naidu was in power.

The Finance Minister took strong exception to the charge by Naidu that he has become 'apulu FM' for borrowing loans. "If not FM will the Home Minister or Revenue Minister borrow loans. Will Naidu describe Yanamala Ramakrishnudu, who was PM during his tenure as Chief Minister, as 'peda appulu Minister' as the borrowing reached 20 per cent during his tenure even as it was pegged at 14 per cent during YSRCP regime.

Describing Naidu as 'abaddalu (lies) Naidu' for spreading a bunch of lies, the Minister said the TDP leader was responsible for killing Andhra Dairy to promote business of Heritage floated by his family. He said instead of telling lies and becoming a butt of ridicule, Naidu should indulge in constructive criticism as the Leader of the Opposition.

The people of Rayalaseema are very cultured and civilised. That's the reason why he is allowed to hold roadshows notwithstanding the fact that no big project was brought to the backward region during 14-year stint by Naidu as CM of Andhra Pradesh before and after bifurcation