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Naidu raps critics of Constitution review

Syed Amin Jafri in Hyderabad

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu has fully backed the National Democratic Alliance government's appointment of the Constitution Review Commission and rapped those opposing it.

"There is no need for politicising the review of the Constitution. Over a period of time, there have been technological changes and reforms in various sectors. We have initiated economic reforms. Political reforms are also needed. We welcome it (the appointment of the panel to review the Constitution)," he said at a media conference in Hyderabad on Wednesday on his return from Davos, where he attended the World Economic Forum Summit.

Asked about the controversy over the issue following President K R Narayanan's remarks, Chandrababu Naidu said, "I am not talking about individuals. I have respect for the chair."

However, he rapped those who were seeking to politicise the issue. Without naming the Congress, he asked, ''Why did it keep quiet for long? The Commission would go into the issue and finalise its report after thorough debate and discussion. All political parties will have the opportunity to discuss it (the contemplated changes) in Parliament. Any constitutional amendment needs to be passed with two-thirds majority. So, why all this fuss now?"

Replying to another query on the likely inclusion of Hyderabad in the itinerary of US President Bill Clinton's India visit, Chandrababu Naidu said, "I am very keen to bring him here."

"Right now, we have no details. I will find out. I think he will come. Let us see," the chief minister said about Clinton's likely stopover in Hyderabad. He, however, felt that there was no need to write another letter to Bill Clinton now. (Naidu wrote to Bill Clinton last year, inviting him to Hyderabad.)

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