CM Kiran turns to vastu, launches Amma Hastham in Srikakulam

By SNV Sudhir

Visakhapatnam, April 16, 2013: Looks like the ‘vastu’ bug had bitten the chief minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy too. He chose Tekkali in Srikakulam district for an official launch of his government’s new welfare initiative for the BPL families ‘Amma Hastham’ here on Tuesday and even acknowledged his sentiment openly. 

Being on the north eastern side of Andhra Pradesh, Srikakulam is believed to be auspicious for the launch of election campaigns and any new programmes. “Though Amma Hastham was launched formally in Hyderabad on Ugadi, I wanted its actual launch to be done here in Srikakulam. Henceforth, the scheme will be implemented in all the districts across state. I believe anything launched in Srikakulam, which is on the north east side of the state will be a great success and it was proved in the past by the Racha Banda programme , which was also launched in Rajam in the same district,” Kiran Kumar Reddy said amidst thundering applause by the huge gathering.

In 2008, when actor Chiranjeevi launched his political outfit he undertook a statewide tour titled Praja Ankitha Yatraa, which he launched on October 9 at Arasavilli in Srikakulam.

In 2009, the Congress general election campaign was also officially launched in Ichapuram with the then PCC chief D. Srinivas and other party leaders actively taking part in a massive meeting and road shows.

Actor Jr NTR, who lent his hand to uncle and TD chief N. Chandrababu Naidu during the 2009 elections, also launched his 40-day statewide poll campaign from Ichapuram.

 YSR’s widow, YS Vijayalakshmi too launched her election campaign last year duirng by polls from Narsannapeta in Srikakulam.

Under the scheme, BPL families can avail 9 essential commodities at just Rs 185 and that the state government would bear the additional cost of Rs 107 in the form of subsidy.  He fumed at the the opposition parties especially, TD chief N Chandrababu Naidu mocking at the scheme. Naidu dubbed the scheme as ‘mondi hastham’ (hollow hand).

“Congress government’s every scheme is aimed at the welfare of poor and needy. We don’t listen to the dissuading comments made by Chandrababu likes. Instead of encouraging government in implementing schemes like Amma Hastham Naidu is scuttling the chances of poor getting essential commodities at a very cheap price. He is against the welfare of poor and downtrodden,” said Kiran Kumar Reddy