KURNOOL: Tourism Minister Bhuma Akhila Priya denied reports that she had any difference of opinion with AP Legislative Council Chairman N.M.D. Farooq over the development of Nandyal constituency and affirmed that the two of them were working towards reaching the developmental goals set by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.
Speaking to Deccan Chronicle on Wednesday, the minister said, "Absolutely we have no differences whatsoever with N.M.D. Farooqji. Development of Nandyal is of prime importance and sacrosanct to me and my brother and MLA Bhuma Bramhananda Reddy as any development at Nandyal is fulfilling the wishes of late Bhuma Nagi Reddy."
Over the speculation that Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu was not happy with the style of functioning of the tourism minister, she said that there was no truth in claims of CM's displeasure as he was her mentor and guiding them in fulfilling the wishes and poll promises given to Nandyal.
Putting at rest speculations of difference of opinion, she said that they are closely working with Farooq garu and the speculation was a storm in a tea cup.
Asked why there was no solution to the issue of compensation payment to victims of road widening in Nandyal, the minister said that a section of those affected, particularly on the 60 feet road stretch, were not willing to take the money offered by the government. What can we do? We are still pursuing the issue with the CM and hopefully an amicable solution could be worked out to resolve the issue.
On pollution in Nandyal, Akhila Priya said that it was really a serious problem as quality of life is affecting the business town. She added that an amount of Rs 8 crore has been sanctioned to accelerate work on a flyover near Bommalasatram so that long-distance vehicles need not go round Nandyal town.
On the ambitious programme of building 13,000 houses for weaker sections, a dream of late Bhuma Nagi Reddy, the minister said that 65 to 70 per cent of the work was over.
The beneficiaries would be handed over keys to their houses on Ugadi day. She added, "We have completed some target by Sankranti and we are marching towards completing the project by Ugadi which was being closely monitored by Municipal administration minister."
