Cancellation of tenders will increase Polavaram Project cost

Vijayawada: Senior BJP leader and Tobacco Board Chairman Yadlapati Raghunatha Babu said that the State government should bear the additional burden if the Polavaram Project cost increases with the cancellation of tenders. Participating in a 'Meet-the-Press' programme here on Sunday, he said that the State government had taken a risk by canceling the Polavaram contract tenders.

The State could take action if any lapses were found in the tendering process, he opined. But the government's decision would increase the project cost, he said and added that everyone should see what would be happening in the future with the reverse tendering system.

The Centre is ready to extend all possible support for the State development, he said. He recalled that the Centre offered a special package instead of Special Status to the State.

He said that the ban on tobacco products is a welcoming step. Tobacco Board is committed to sorting out the issues of farmers, he said.

The Palekar system should be encouraged in the cultivation of tobacco also, he said. The expenses should be reduced to make the cultivation a profitable venture, he said. APUWJ leaders Ambati Anjaneyulu, Chava Ravi, K Rajesh and Press Club president N Chalapathi Rao were present.