“Naidu Has Money For Singapore Like Capital But Not For Fee Reimbursement?” – KCR

After a marathon 6 hour cabinet meet, CM KCR opened up to a packed media on Wednesday night on a plethora of issues. At his usual extempore self, he answered every question thrown at him by national and regional media. Here are some answers he gave to important issues that made headlines in last 1 month.

Telangana CM KCR opened up about the press statements of his AP counterpart Chandrababu Naidu that he is ready for talks with him to resolve issues between the two states. KCR said that he is open for talks with Naidu just as he is open for talks with CMs of other neighboring states like Raman Singh, Siddaramaih, Prithviraj Chavan. However, he called Naidu’s bluff by pointing that despite his public stance Naidu unilaterally cancelled the PPAs and put both States in power crisis. In the last month, Naidu unilaterally decided on power, Polavaram, law & order in Hyderabad, water, fee reimbursement, last year’s revenue sharing and employee allocation.

KCR went on to ask how come AP talks about building a Singapore-like capital with Rs 1.5 lakh Cr and refuse to reimburse fees for it’s own college going children. KCR said Naidu is deliberately trying to make controversies out of a state sponsored program like fee reimbursement, just to trouble Telangana State, and delaying the EAMCET counseling. To a question, KCR categorically said  it is Naidu who is responsible for the delay in EAMCET counseling.

Answering to questions on Government’s declared moves to reclaim occupied wakf land and how would his Govt distinguish between companies like Microsoft, Infosys and Lanco, which all stand on wakf land, the CM said there is a difference between Lanco and other allotments. Land was allotted by the government to companies for setting up the software industry in the city, which in turn propelled the economy, provided employment and generated revenue. Lanco is not such company, he said. He said his Govt will take legal action against Lanco and collect penalties.

The CM said his Government is revisiting all present schemes, which are all scamming schemes. He said the Govt will streamline them so that they reach the real beneficiaries.

The CM said he wants to enhance Hyderabad’s brand image globally to give further impetus to it’s economy and attract more global firms to create more employment opportunities in the city and its vicinity. The Govt. will engage reputed international consultants for suggestions on enhancing the brand image of Hyderabad. The Govt. also will draft a new master plan for the overall development of the city and it’s suburbs.

On demolition drives of GHMC, the CM said he doesn’t have any grudge against anyone. He wants to have a well-regulated and disciplined city. Over the years, thousands of illegal structures have sprouted in the city, he said mentioning the figure would be around 60,000. There are thousands right near the Assembly and Secretariat. Earlier government winked at these and even issued power and water connections. That can’t continue anymore said the CM. We will not leave even an inch of government land to encroachments, we will recover all Wakf, endowments and Bhoodhan lands at any cost said the CM.

On maintaining law and order in Hyderabad, the CM said “Be it residential areas, commercial areas, parks or institutions, every inch of the city will be mapped. Thousands of CCTV cameras will be set up which will be monitored by the police. Gambling dens have mushroomed in every nook and corner of the city. I have personally directed the DGP to crack down on those clubs.”

On the Home Ministry’s circular about law and order in Hyderabad, the CM said it is completely unconstitutional. He said he will not tolerate centre’s attempts to hand over extra powers to Governor, under any circumstances. He said he will explore all options so that such a proposal doesn’t materialize. “If the situation demands, I will even convene a meeting of all chief ministers and make sure a resolution is adopted against such moves. It is an infringement on the state government’s rights. Law and order is a state subject.” said KCR.