Panabaka dares critics to prove charges

Bapatla: Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Textiles Panabaka Lakshmi on Sunday dared her critics to prove allegations that she owned assets in Krishna and Guntur districts.

Addressing the media here, Ms Lakshmi dismissed charges that she was bent on making Vijayawada the capital city after division of State to safeguard her personal interests. She said the allegations were made by some politicians during a debate programme in a television channel. She challenged her opponents to prove the allegations. If they succeed in producing evidence to match their allegations, she would transfer all her assets to them, she reciprocated. “Are the accusing lot prepared to register their assets in my name if they failed to establish the allegations leveled against me,” she questioned. The Union Minister said that she had ensured imprisonment of an official in the State for cornering funds to the tune of Rs three crore intended for the welfare of handloom workers. Her critics would also meet the same fate if they indulge in mudslinging with the sole aim of tarnishing her image, she said.

Attacks State govt
Ms Lakshmi, who is representing Bapatla Lok Sabha constituency, expressed displeasure over hurdles being created to development works on one pretext or the other. Though she had convened review meetings with officials several times, the development works were progressing at a snail’s pace. The State government was not cooperating in the development of her constituency, she alleged.