Telugu Desam Party president N Chandrababu Naidu on Monday proved that nobody can beat him in maintaining double standards in politics.
During his regime, Naidu laid red carpet to multinationals and industrialists to set up industries by offering various doles, irrespective of stiff opposition from local people. All that mattered for him was the World Bank agenda, let alone the sufferings of tribals and weaker sections.
Now that he is in opposition, he is opposing every decision taken by the Congress government. On Monday, Naidu raised a hue and cry over granting of mining leases to Jindal and Ras Al Khaimah for bauxite ore in Visakhpatnam and Vizianagaram districts. He and his party leaders stalled the proceedings for nearly three hours demanding that the mining leases to the ANRAK and Jindal be cancelled, as the mining activity would not only disturb the peaceful life of thousands of girijans, but also pollute several water bodies in the vicinity. Naidu alleged that the powers-that-be received huge kickbacks in granting licenses and staged a walk out from the house, after the government turned down their demand for a House Committee probe into the alleged scandal.
Minister for Mines B Srinivasa Reddy, however, said there were no irregularities in granting mining leases to the companies. “We have followed all the norms as per the Supreme Court guidelines. The projects will provide employment to over 20,000 people and the amount accrued in the form of royalty to the AP Mineral Development Corporation would be used for the welfare of tribals,” he said.
