Minister Amaranatha Reddy lashes out at BJP, seeks explanation

Amaravati: Minister for industries N Amaranatha Reddy alleged that the BJP-led Central government intentionally rejected setting up of steel factory in Kadapa district. The minister said it was all part of the conspiracy by BJP against Andhra Pradesh to stall its development.

He was reacting to reports of  Union Ministry of Steel submitting affidavit in the Supreme Court on Wednesday stating that it is not possible to set up steel factory in Kadapa of Andhra Pradesh and Bayyaram in Telangana as per report of Mecon company.

The Centre said that as there was scarcity for iron ore and the steel companies incur huge losses, it would not possible to give permission for another two new industries.

Speaking to The Hans India, the minister said on Wednesday that the BJP leaders said they would bring steel factory to Kadapa. Setting up of steel factory in Kadapa had been clearly mentioned in the AP Reorganisation Act. “But now the BJP was saying that setting up the factory was not mandatory but it was just a suggestion to explore possibilities, as per the AP Reorganisation Act,” he said. 

Amaranatha Reddy contended that the question of viability would not arise in Kadapa as there was already a private steel factory (Brahmani Steels) in Kadapa.   He said viability (regarding raw material) was not the reason for the stalling of the private factory.

He said that the Centre had responded positively in the past for Kadapa steel factory and said it would give permission for the same. But now it changed its stand and filed affidavit against the setting of the factory. “This clearly shows that the Centre is intentionally rejecting the permission to Kadapa steel factory,” the minister said.

Amaranatha Reddy demanded the AP BJP leaders to respond over the Centre’s affidavit in the Supreme Court on Kadapa steel factory. “They speak about Rayalaseema declaration, but do not respond on Kadapa steel factory issue. We cannot understand the contrast of stand of BJP over the interests of Andhra Pradesh and, particularly Rayalaseema. Why are the BJP leaders silent now,” he asked.

He said the BJP leader had no right to criticise the state government while they were intentionally doing injustice to the state. “There is no consistency between the words and deeds of the BJP leaders. They are least bothered about being answerable to the people.

If the BJP is not ready to implement the AP Reorganisation Act, the party has to explain to the people what the Centre will do for the development of Andhra Pradesh. It is the minimum responsibility of the BJP,” he said.