The Chief Minister, Dr Y.S.
Rajasekhar Reddy on Tuesday said that the state government was not at loggerheads with the Election Commission on the issue of election code vis-à-vis development works.
The Chief Minister said that the government would clarify on the notice served to it by the Election Commission on taking up developmental programmes and the agriculture minister, Mr N.
Raghuveera Reddy’s reported “derogatory remarks made against the Election Commission.” The Election Com mission had served notices to the state government and Mr Reddy for the violation of the model code of conduct set by the EC.
“We have high regard for the Election commission,” the Chief Minister said.
“There are no differences between the government and the EC on any matter,” he clarified.
Dr Reddy, however, defended the statement of the agriculture minister, Mr N. Raghuveera Reddy, seeking the continuation of regular programmes like the Rythu Chaitanya yatras.
“Mr Raghuveera Reddy said that Rythu Chaitanya yatras should not be stopped since it was the season to educate farmers.
Unlike a housing scheme or other works which can be put off, agriculture plans can’t be postponed.
There would have been no political gain,” the Chief Minister said.
“The Election Commission too agreed with his viewpoint and okayed the programme,” he added.
When reminded that the Opposition demanded the resignation of the agriculture minister, Dr Reddy said, “They have no issue.
They are just indulging in mudslinging.”