Thaindian News

Hyderabad, March 16 (IANS) Alleging irregularities in land allotted to various companies by then Andhra Pradesh chief minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) Wednesday demanded a probe by a joint legislative committee.

The state assembly was adjourned for the day without any business as the main opposition party stalled the proceedings, demanding the constitution of the panel to probe the land deals of 2004-09.

The TDP members raised the issue of allotment of 250 acres of land in Hyderabad to Brahmani Infotech Pvt Ltd, reportedly owned by YSR’s son and former Congress MP Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy.

The TDP alleged that the prime land was given to the firm for Rs.20 lakh per acre while the market value was in excess of Rs.1 crore. It said that using this land, Jaganmohan Reddy acquired prime property in Bangalore.

The TDP was not satisfied with the assurance by Minister for Major Industries J. Geeta Reddy that the land allotment would be reviewed.

She pointed out that Chief Minister Kiran Kumar Reddy had already announced review of all controversial land allotment. “The government will also review this particular land allotment,” she said.

The TDP legislators, however, continued their protest near the speaker’s podium.

Deputy Speaker Nadendla Manohar adjourned the house twice and later for the day.

Another minister, Botsa Satyanarayana, said the house can’t take up discussion on the matter as it was already in court and pointed out that TDP leaders themselves had filed a petition.

TDP leader P. Keshav said that when a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) can be formed to probe the 2G spectrum scam while the hearing was on in the Supreme Court, a committee comprising members of both the assembly and council can also be constituted to probe land deals.

TDP legislator Devineni Uma told reporters that there was a need for a comprehensive probe into land deals.

He alleged that YSR favoured those close to him in the allotment of 70,000 acres of government land to 111 special economic zones.

He said Jaganmohan Reddy amassed huge assets through fraudulent methods when his father was the chief minister.

TDP leaders K. Yerrannaidu, P. Ashok Gajapathi Raju and Byreddy Rajasekhara Reddy Monday filed a petition in the high court seeking orders to prosecute Jaganmohan Reddy under the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

Meanwhile, three Congress legislators loyal to Jaganmohan Reddy Wednesday termed as baseless the allegations against their leader. They said he was ready to face any probe.

Jaganmohan Reddy, who quit the Congress last year, formed the YSR Congress Party last week.