Lok Satta refutes TDP charge on fight against corruption
"The TDP seems to regard the State as its fiefdom and people as machines meant to vote for it only," said the Lok Satta Party.
In a media statement, Lok Satta Party General Secretary Katari Srinivasa Rao referred to TDP leader A. Revanth Reddy's charge and said it is ridiculous.
Mr. Srinivasa Rao recalled that it was Dr. JP who first drafted a Bill to amend the Prevention of Corruption Act as early as in 2009 and circulated it among all political parties. The Bill provided for constitution of a strong and independent Lokayukta, strengthening of the Anti Corruption Bureau, appointment of independent prosecutors and stringent punishment including confiscation of the property of the guilty. Far from taking the lead to get the Bill passed as requested by Dr. JP, the TDP has remained silent.
Mr. Srinivasa Rao pointed out that Dr. JP had forcefully argued in the Assembly against the Government gifting away thousands of acres of the coastline to certain industrialists and sought cancellation of such allotments.
The TDP, which is indulging in rhetoric on corruption, voted against the Lokpal Bill which also envisaged constitution of Lokayuktas in States and backstabbed Anna Hazare. It even stalled a comprehensive discussion on corruption in the Assembly.
Mr. Srinivsa Rao reiterated that there are no basic policy differences among the Congress, TDP and YSR Congress Party.
The Lok Satta Party is ready to work with even the TDP if it is committed to policies like eradication of corruption, decentralization of power, agricultural reforms, restriction of liquor consumption, proportional representation, provision of quality healthcare and education to all and job opportunities to youth.