-Jagan ignorant of 73, 74th amendments
-Decentralisation of development a ‘big farce’
AMARAVATI: TDP senior leader and former Minister Yanamala Ramakrishnudu on Thursday slammed the YSRCP Government for ‘totally destroying’ local bodies by creating a parallel system of grama and ward volunteers.
Ramakrishnudu said CM Jagan Mohan Reddy has turned his much-trumpeted decentralisation of development into a farce. The grama swaraj that Gandhiji dreamt of has become a mirage under the YCP regime.
In a statement here, the Opposition Leader in Council challenged the Chief Minister to speak out about how much budget his Government has spent on development. The grama secretariats were formed on the pretext of strengthening the local bodies. But eventually, the Jagan regime snatched their funds as well.
Ramakrishnudu strongly objected to the Government diverting Rs. 7,500 Cr funds of panchayats under 14, 15th finance commissions and another Rs. 3,500 Cr of general funds. A total of Rs. 11,000 Cr funds of panchayats were snatched away in total violation of the financial norms. The local bodies were deprived of their powers and funds.
The TDP leader said Jagan Reddy had thrown into the dustbin Articles 243 G and 243 W relating to panchayat raj bodies and municipalities as per the 73, 74th constitution amendments. There were doubts whether the AP CM had any idea that the 73, 74th amendments related to the autonomy of the local and civic bodies.
Expressing concern, Ramakrishnudu said the YCP regime has made a habit to block all development while imposing unbearable burdens like garbage tax. Jagan Reddy has deliberately crushed the leadership of weaker sections and backward classes in local bodies. He gave a big blow to the SC, ST, BC and Minority aspirants.
The TDP leader deplored that the volunteers system was created only to usurp the powers of sarpanches, chairmen and mayors. Jagan had no moral right to talk about decentralised development.
