'AP govt decision on cancelling mining rights a political one'

Criticising the Andhra Pradesh government over the cancellation of mining rights given to a power company, YSR Congress Party today alleged that the decision was politically motivated and against the interests of the state.
"The Government cancelling the mining orders (given to Saraswati Power Company) on very flimsy grounds shows that the decision is taken against political adversaries and not on the merits as there are industries that are in similar or even worse situations as they could not get the needed permission on time," party leader Dharmana Prasada Rao told reporters here.
"At a time when rapid industrialisation should be taken up in a big way to make the economy vibrant and provide employment opportunities to the locals, the government going on a hot pursuit hitting at the economic interests of political adversaries, is setting up a bad precedence and is not in the best interests of the state," he said.

The land was not allotted by the Government and it was purchased from the farmers with their consent and mining could not begin due to procedural delays.
Even government projects are delayed for not getting environmental, water and other such permissions and the State cancelling the mining rights "showing some lame excuses is not justified and clearly shows its vindictive temperament", Rao said.
"Industries are already facing problems on various counts and if the State goes on a witch-hunt, there will be a setback for the economy as locals will be deprived of employment opportunities.
"There are many companies which did not go operational, despite getting mining leases and the state being selective in cancelling the lease to Saraswati Company in Guntur district shows that it is targeting the Company that has YSR (former Chief Minister late Y S Rajasekhara Reddy) family members on the Board," he said.

"We will explore all available options to fight this injustice but the Government should shun such vindictive decisions," Rao said.