Don't fall prey to Congress tactics, Naidu tells parties

Urban Development Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu on Wednesday urged political parties not to fall prey to the Congress's tactics of obstructing parliament functioning.

"I can't force you to support me or the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party). But the non-Congress parties, including the BJD in Odisha, should understand their (Congress party) game plan and should not fall prey to the tactics of the Congress," Naidu told the media here.

He said the parties should play a constructive role by supporting the government's efforts of developing India and that they should cooperate in implementing the needed reforms, including passing of the amended land acquisition bill.

Stating that his government firmly believes in cooperative federalism, Naidu attacked the Congress, saying that the party was putting obstacles in the path of development by opposing bills in the Rajya Sabha.

Naidu accused the Congress party of misleading people on the proposed land bill. He said the Congress has acquired about two lakh acres land for private purpose while the NDA government has not acquired any land in favour of private parties in the last one year.

The minister also appealed to the ruling Biju Janata Dal to support the land bill in parliament as the state government needs land for infrastructure development, including for mines and ports.

Naidu rubbished allegations that the BJP has struck a deal with the BJD by slowing down the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the state chit fund scam, and said the government has no intention to rein in the CBI.

He also refuted the allegations that Odisha would get less financial assistance following the recommendation of 14th Finance Commission.

"I can assure the people of Odisha that the state would not get less than what they were getting earlier. All states, including Odisha, will benefit from the recommendations of the Finance Commission," Naidu added.