Telangana: Oppn seeks Governor's intervention in construction of new secretariat

Hyderabad: Opposing the construction of new buildings for Secretariat and legislature in Telangana, the opposition Congress, BJP, TDP, Telangana Jana Samiti (TJS) and others Monday urged Governor ESL Narasimhan to use his powers to stop the "misuse" of public money by the TRS government.

"He (Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao) is unnecessarily putting this financial burden on the people... for his superstitions. Shifting or demolishing the existing buildings will be a major loss to the people..... The special power with regard to shifting of offices also lies with the Governor. We appealed to the Governor to stop the misuse of money," Congress Lok Sabha member A Revanth Reddy told reporters after meeting the Governor.

BJP leader and former minister D K Aruna alleged that Rao sought to earn fame for the construction of new buildings and that their construction was not going to benefit people.

TJS president M Kodandaram said the delegation explained to the Governor that he had all the powers to protect the buildings as he is the custodian of the buildings as per Section 8 of the Andhra Pradesh Re-organisation Act.

CPI state secretary Chada Venkat Reddy said there were more pressing issues than the construction of the new Secretariat like drought and drinking water shortage.

"This reflects his Tughlak-like thought.Why does he need a new Secretariat? The Chief Minister does not even come there," he said.

Rao had recently laid separate foundation stones for the construction of the new buildings for the Secretariat and legislature.

Dismissing opposition criticism, TRS leaders had earlier alleged that Congress had tried to create hurdles in the construction of irrigation projects as well.

The TRS government would take decisions in the interest of the people and in a way that reflected the pride of Telangana, they had said.