AP BJP chief Purandeswari working for Naidu: Minister

Vijayawada: Energy Minister Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy has accused BJP state president Purandeswari of “working for the Telugu Desam” and of speaking about the state’s liquor policy without knowing the facts.

“All the distilleries in AP came up during Chandrababu Naidu's tenure. He gave them the license. Chief minister Jagan Mohan Reddy did not give permission to even a single distillery,” he claimed.

Ramachandra Reddy, in the presence of housing minister Jogi Ramesh, MLAs Velampalli Srinivasa Rao and Malladi Vsihnu, MLCs Md Ruhulla and Marri Rajasekhar, MP Nandigam Suresh and Vijayawada mayor Rayana Bhagayalakshmi, unveiled the 15-feet tall YS Rajasekhar Reddy statue in Bhavanipuram area on Sunday.

The energy minister inaugurated three indoor sub-stations at Kanakadurga Nagar.

He condemned the remarks of the BJP state chief on the state’s liquor policy. “She wrongly targeted MP Vijayasai Reddy. Purandareswari is speaking on behalf of the Telugu Desam, not as the state BJP chief. She has taken the vakalat for the TD.”

Ramchandra Reddy said the BJP leaders are critical of the attitudes of their state president. “Everyone has seen how the Chittoor district BJP president Subba Reddy criticised Purandareswari's attitude. He said, ‘We have no problem if Purandeswari works as Chandrababu’s sister-in-law instead of as BJP leader’,” he noted.

The minister said development works worth Rs 40 crore have been taken up by the electricity department in Vijayawada East constituency. Three indoor electricity substations have been erected at a cost of Rs 20.30 crore. “There was difficulty in getting space in Vijayawada city, Hence, these indoor substations have been constructed outside the city. Steps have been taken to ensure power supply to all parts of the city.”

Ramchandra Reddy said, “Till now, no chief minister other than Jagan Mohan Reddy has thought of building a retaining wall to protect the people of Krishna Lanka from floods in Vijayawada city. After Jagan Reddy came to power, he started and completed the construction of the retaining wall.”

The minister urged the people to bless Devineni Nehru's son Devineni Avinash. He appealed to the people to stand by the YSR Congress party.