New Andhra CM Dr Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy got down to pushing his poll promises on day one, clearing his first file for free power to farmers. The decision will cost the exchequer Rs 430 crore a year.Earlier in the day, Reddy was sworn in as CM at a colourful function at Lal Bahadur stadium. Reddy, who was administered oath of office and secrecy by Governor S.S. Barnala, announced waiver of pending power bills of farmers amounting to Rs 1,200 crore. The government will also review power purchase deals made its predecessor.Reddy also pledged to create a “congenial atmosphere” to facilitate talks with the Peoples War, starting with considering lifting of the ban on the outfit which is due for renewal in July. It was initially expected that a small team of ministers will be sworn-in along with Reddy and even the invitation cards for the function were printed accordingly. But ultimately, Reddy alone assumed office as he could not discuss Cabinet formation with party president Sonia Gandhi.Almost all newly elected Congress MLAs and MPs and leaders of the Telangana Rashtra Samiti, CPI and CPI(M) were present when Reddy was sworn in at 1.39 pm.Responding to thousands of supporters from across the state, Reddy said farmers and artisans need not commit suicide as his government would listen to their grievances.‘‘I was pained during my last year’s padayatra to see the sufferings of the farmers and the poor. Farmers and others who committed suicide will get adequate compensation. I do not want to see such incidents happen in the state during the Congress regime,’’ he said.Assuring supporters that he would usher in Indiramma rajyam committed to the uplift of the poor and weaker sections, he said his government would give top priority to pending irrigation projects and complete them on a war footing to convert perennially drought-hit areas into green belts.
