TDP accuses AP govt of encouraging sand mafia, demands compensation

Amid the protest by construction workers in Andhra Pradesh, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has put forward a demand that the state government should pay a compensation of Rs 10,000 to all the construction workers protesting the shortage of sand in the state.

In a press note released by the TDP on Saturday, the party's state president K Kala Venkata Rao has alleged that the state government of canceling free sand policy in the state. The statement also alleged that the YS Jagan Mohan Reddy-led government's move has encouraged sand mafia which has left around 30 lakh workers with no work.

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"This is a clear cut example of troubles the labourers are facing due to sand shortage in the state. The chief minister is not even concerned about the lakhs of families left with no food to eat," Rao said as quoted by a news agency.

"During the TDP regime, one lorry of sand cost around Rs 10,000 but now the same costs between Rs 40,000 to Rs 50,000. Into whose pocket is the excess money going?" he questioned.

The TDP party leader has accused the MLAs of Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) of corruption. He also accused the Chief Minister of resolving the issues of corrupted MLAs in sharing the money earned by the illegal sale of sand.

He also further expressed grief over the alleged suicide of a construction worker named Naga Brahmaji in Sangam Jagarlamudi town of Guntur district. "The government should immediately extend full support to Naga Brahmaji's family," he said.

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YSRCP Minister accused of reaping welfare scheme benefits

TDP had earlier accused Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy-led Andhra Pradesh government of looting public money. TDP leader K Pattabhi Ram claimed, ministers and workers of the ruling YSRCP had benefited in the process. He alleged that the Education minister Audimulapu Suresh was a beneficiary of the ‘Rythu Bharosa’ welfare scheme. Contending that he did not qualify for the scheme, Ram expressed his bewilderment on the same.  

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(With inputs from ANI)