TRS, Cong in war of words over metro rail

HYDERABAD: The war of words between the TRS and two city Congress ministers escalated on Wednesday with the former demanding that the state government change the alignment of the metro rail project on the grounds that it would raze historical sites and streets in the city. This was countered by labour minister Danam Nagender who said he would not allow anyone, including the TRS, to come in the way of the project.A day earlier, Danam along with marketing minister Mukesh Goud had warned the TRS not to politicise a project which they said was vital for the city’s development and help eliminate the commuting problems of its citizens.Addressing a press conference, TRS politburo members Nayani Narasimha Reddy and Dasoju Sravan Kumar cautioned ministers Danam Nagender and Mukesh Goud not to act ``against public sentiment.’’ “If the government is sincere in resolving issues raised by us, it must immediately convene an all-party meet to discuss ways to save historical sites and streets that would be razed to make way for the elevated metro rail,” said Nayani Narasimha Reddy.Politburo member Sravan went a step further and asked the ministers to stop acting as the watchdogs of chief minister Kiran Kumar. “They have forgotten the fact that they are ministers and are acting as watchdogs of the CM,” he said.Meanwhile, the TRS youth wing burnt effigies of both the ministers in front of the assembly on Wednesday for their outburst against party president K Chandrasekhar Rao. The youth wing leaders said they would not remain silent to the verbal assault on their leader anymore.Responding to the TRS’ demand, minister Nagender said the government was always open to suggestions and was ready to convene an all-party meet on the metro rail project. “We will dispel all misgivings on the project. However, we will not allow KCR or anyone else from the TRS to disrupt the metro rail project as they have an ulterior motive behind their demand,” he said. He alleged that KCR had demanded money from L&T and since they did not oblige him, he was threatening a blood bath. ``The project is necessary for the development of the city. It will help solve the city’s traffic problems,’’ he added.