TDP demands apology from Rosaiah

The Telugu Desam Party has demanded Finance Minister K. Rosaiah’s apology to people for his reported remarks on Saturday that election officials should work in favour of the government, thus “belittling” the Constitution.

At a press conference here on Sunday, TDP leaders Ummareddy Venkateswarulu and P.L. Srinivas said Mr. Rosaiah’s comments made when he met Chief Electoral Officer I.V. Subba Rao and Deputy CEO Harpreet Singh, were “undemocratic”. They showed the ‘intolerant’ attitude of the Congress.

The leaders sought to remind the Minister that poll officials come under the direct purview of the Election Commission, the day election schedule was announced and the model code of conduct came into force.

Demanding Mr. Rosaiah to withdraw the remarks, they said the party would take the issue to the Chief Election Commissioner’s notice.

On the Congress leaders’ query as to how the TDP would mobilise funds to fulfil its promises, they said the State’s income had increased to Rs.80,000 crore. This was expected to grow by 15 per cent annually.

In addition, the State would get its share from Central taxes. The TDP would meet the expenditure without selling government lands, they observed.

Replying to a question, they said the TDP, while implementing the promises, would continue reforms, if returned to power.